Relief as face masks arrive courtesy of Sarawak’s friendship states Fujian, Shandong

Sim (right) and Minister of Welfare, Community Well Being, Women, Family and Childhood Development Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah checking the N95 face mask which was given by Fujian provincial government.

By Nancy Nais

KUCHING, Mar 26: The Sarawak government has expressed their sincere gratitude to Fujian and Shandong provincial governments for sending highly needed face masks to combat Covid-19.

Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said the first batch of 20,000 pieces of N95 face masks just arrived in Kuching, while another batch will arrive later this week.

“The mask reached us through the Chinese Consulate. Both Fujian and Shandong provincial governments are friendship states with Sarawak and we are truly grateful for their help.

“This truly represents our strong friendship with them. We extended our hands when they faced Covid-19 and now, they’ve extended theirs back even without us asking for help,” Sim said at a press conference today.

Thanking the Chinese profusely, Sim added that the help was beyond just face masks because Chinese medical experts has been constantly in touch with the Sarawak medical department.

“They have been conducting video conferencing with us over the last few days and more to come with our medical specialist to discuss on how the Chinese experts dealt with immunity issues. They told us how they boost the elderly people, as well as those who are sick.

“Yesterday, I learnt that the Chinese used a lot of traditional medicine, so we will see how we can go about with their suggestions,” Sim added.

Meanwhile, he asserted that the N95 mask, which are one of the highest quality, will be distributed to frontliners such as medical personnel as they are in daily contact or close proximity with those infected with Covid-19.—DayakDaily

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and senior cabinet ministers distributed face mask to members of the media.
The N95 disposable face mask given by Fujian provincial government.