KUCHING, April 2: Residents of rural and remote areas in Sarawak will be given more leeway to move beyond the 10km-radius from residence set by the federal government for the second phase of the movement control order (MCO).
State Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said he is aware that people living in the rural areas of Sarawak need to travel further distances in order to get essential goods and healthcare services.
“We understand that the people in the rural areas such as those who lives in Betong need to travel further, for instance to buy medicine at a pharmacy or visit the hospital.
“That’s why we have to seek the permission from the Commissioner of Police so that they will be able to travel further, for instance 20 or 30km.
“Those who want to travel far must get the permission from the nearest police station,” he told the media during a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here today.
Yesterday, the federal government announced that Malaysians and all foreigners residing in the country are not allowed to move beyond a 10km-radius from their residences during the second phase of the MCO which lasts until April 14.
Uggah who is Bukit Saban assemblyman noted that the rule to travel within the 10km radius set by the federal government is not practical for rural and remote areas.
He revealed that the Sarawak Police Commissioner has agreed that in certain rural areas, villagers and residents are allowed to move beyond the 10km-radius.— DayakDaily
