KUCHING, Apr 17: The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will decide on the next course of action with regards to self pick-up upon order and drive-thru concepts for e-bazaar Ramadan this year.
Following the announcement by Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said he will hold further discussion on the matter with the SDMC members before the committee makes a final decision.
“I will need to discuss with the (SDMC) committee and how we can do and what else we can do in Sarawak.
“It is too broad on the e-Ramadan bazaar (pick up services).
“We will discuss and make an announcement soon,” he told the media after providing the updates on the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) situation in Sarawak today.
He explained that whatever decision was announced by the federal government, the SDMC had the final say on the adoption and implementation of the directives from the federal government in Sarawak.
Dr Sim asserted that the SDMC has the authority and ultimate power to implement what is best for Sarawak and Sarawakians.
On another note, Dr Sim pointed out that the personal protective equipment (PPE) ordered by the state government to combat Covid-19 in Sarawak was given to frontliners first.
He stated that the cargo which transported the 50 metric tonnes of PPE from China to Kuching last week was insufficient.
He explained that the amount of PPE depended on the number of patients being infected in Sarawak.
Citing an example, Dr Sim believed that if there are potentially 1,000 infections in Sarawak, the state government might need to order more PPEs from China or other countries.
At the same time, he also alleged Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen was trying to gain political mileage during a time whereby life and death were at stake.
He observed that Chong was trying to get sympathy from the voters through the distribution of food aid by carrying a pack of rice.
“It is extremely sad that at this time, when we are so busy on the ground fighting Covid-19, some people are so free playing politics.
“So free that have the chance to show on YouTube carrying rice.
“And (he is) carrying rice just for show only,” he lamented.
Dr Sim who is Sarawak United Peoples’ Party president believed that Chong was not remorseful of his action while trying to accuse the state government of not helping the poor and needy.
Dr Sim revealed that the state government is looking after the welfare of everyone adding that anyone who requires food aid assistance can contact the district and divisional state disaster management offices for further action.—DayakDaily
