KUCHING, Sept 26: Local authorities in Bintulu will continue to do their utmost in implementing the most feasible anti-pandemic strategies and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the good of its people.
Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing said this is in spite of Ministry of Health (KKM)’s insistence on a uniform national approach to tackle the worsening Covid-19 situation, which inclines to satisfy public interest rather than safeguarding public health.
Regardless, he expressed hope that citizens of Bintulu will continue to stay vigilant and self-disciplined to safeguard the health of themselves, their families and friends.
“Bintulu has always prioritised the people’s health and lives above all. That was why we had adhered to the strictest and most prudent procedures to respond to the pandemic, including targeted lockdowns, isolating close contacts, and performing mass testing, among others.
“We are confident that we have not sacrificed nor compromised on any serious actions to contain the cases in any way.
“Thus, I do feel some disappointment in how our efforts to bring the cases down to single digits from 200-300 per day was undone in a short time once the SOPs were relaxed,” he said in a social media posting today.
Notwithstanding his earlier warnings that SOP relaxation came too early, Tiong said “this is the reality we are facing today” in view of the rising case numbers and deaths.
He added there was no small number of Covid-19 fatalities in Bintulu while the new confirmed daily cases hover between 300 and 400, which was the result of more people not complying with SOP.
With the current Covid-19 surge in Bintulu causing hospital beds and quarantine centres to be overwhelmed by large numbers of close contacts and patients, he urges every member of the public to provide cooperation in reducing the numbers.
“I can only hope that everyone will work together to prevent more outbreaks and transmissions. We must work together to save lives and take care of our family,” he added. — DayakDaily
