SDMC to decide whether Sarawak follows Putrajaya’s directive to close private kindergartens, childcare centres

Fatimah fielding a question from a reporter during the press conference.

By Nur Ashikin Louis

KUCHING, May 10: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will have the final say on the operation of private kindergartens and childcare centres in the State.

Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah said this matter would be discussed in the committee’s meeting within the next few days.

She was responding to a reporter’s query whether Sarawak would follow Putrajaya’s decision to have all the said institutions remain closed until June 6 this year.

“We have to look at the scenarios and take into account the number of Covid-19 cases and its infection rate within the total population.

“I believe the National Security Council (NSC) has directed us to do so (monitor the cases) so that we can formulate drastic action in place to break the chain of Covid-19 transmission.

“Following this, SDMC would make an appropriate decision in accordance with the situation in Sarawak whether or not we should follow Putrajaya’s decision to close the operation of private kindergartens and childcare centres until June 6,” she said during a press conference after officiating at the Fire Safety Campaign in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri held at State Bomba Headquarters along Jalan Setia Raja here today.

She also advised all Sarawakians to continue to comply with the stringent standard operating procedures (SOPs) with regards to the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration including those concerning Hari Raya prayers, inter-district movement and visiting.

Earlier, the Ministry of Education (MOE) announced that all private kindergartens and childcare centres will remain closed effective today until June 6. — DayakDaily