By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Sept 28: The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has revised the travel guidelines as part of the prevention measures of Covid-19 transmission in Sarawak.
SDMC chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the committee has made several decisions after meeting today to beef up the control and prevention for the transmission of Covid-19 in Sarawak.
“All Sarawakians or permanent residence pass holders who travel through Sabah or Labuan are required to apply for entry to Sarawak by filling up the EnterSarawak form online.
“They are required to observe home surveillance order (HSO) for 14 days and be attached with a wristband.
“Their rapid test polymerase chain reaction (rt PCR) swab test will be taken upon arrival at the airport or on the second day and the 10th day,” he said during a press conference here today.
Uggah who is Deputy Chief Minister added those who have undergone the Covid-19 swab test three days prior to their travel and the results were negative, will take their second Covid-19 swab test on the 10th day.
He disclosed that the cost of the Covid-19 swab test will be borne by the state government.
Uggah said for Sarawakians returning from Sabah and staying in the rural areas, they will be quarantined at hotels or the respective quarantine centre which has been provided.
As for Malaysian citizens from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah or Labuan and foreigners entering Sarawak through Sabah or Labuan, they need to apply for entry online by filling up the EnterSarawak form.
Uggah said they need to attach their Covid-19 swab test results before being given the approval to enter Sarawak.
He added their entry pass is limited to just five days.
Uggah said for frequent travellers or commuters to and fro from Sabah, they need to apply for a special pass from the Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) or the Miri and Limbang Resident Office.
Uggah who is Modernisation Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Minister said they are required to have their Covid-19 samples taken every 14 days.
He said the special pass for daily or frequent commuters will not be renewed for those who failed to have their Covid-19 samples taken.
Uggah said all citizens and non-citizens entering Sarawak are required to declare in the electronic health declaration form (EHDF) whether they have been in Sabah or Labuan for the past 14 days.
He said action will be taken against those who provide false information under the State Protection of Public Health Ordinance 1999.
Uggah added the cost for the Covid-19 swab test for those from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah or Labuan coming to Sarawak will be borne by themselves.
As for individuals who returned from Sabah or Labuan since September 10, Uggah said those with fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath or diarrhea are advised to seek medical health examination and Covid-19 swab test at the nearest government clinic.
For individuals who do not have symptoms, he added they are encouraged to seek medical examination and Covid-19 swab test either at the public or private clinics.—DayakDaily
