By Karen Bong
KUCHING, June 3: Public and social gatherings of more than 10 people are still not allowed in Sarawak.
As such, State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas advises that all types of meetings especially annual general meetings (AGMs) be postponed.
“Even PBB (Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu) postponed its convention which was scheduled in April as the event would see a massive congregation of 5,000 people which is not wise to be done during this (Covid-19 pandemic) time
“A gathering of more than 10 persons is not yet allowed but there are other ways to hold general meetings like video conferencing if possible,” he told a press conference on Covid-19 here today.
However, Uggah was optimistic that as the domestic Covid-19 situation continues to improve, restrictions on gatherings could be relaxed later on.
“We are aware of the predicament (of those who need to fulfill their legal obligation to hold AGM) but I am sure the relevant authority will take this issue into consideration,” he said.
As Covid-19 positive cases continue to decline, Uggah disclosed that SDMC is now making adjustments to SOPs for the reopening of recreational parks, hair salons, fitness centres and gyms, and photo studios, which will be announced in the very near future.
“If the Covid-19 curve continues to flatten, it signals that more economic sectors should be opened up and this will in turn resolve the non-activity impacting several sectors. We are working on it,” he explained.
SDMC also expressed appreciation for the collaboration and support of all parties in adhering to the SOPs issued by the state government during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak celebrations.
“Businesses and the public are complying with the SOPs. Even though they are some shops which may lack in compliance but the local authorities have stepped in to give advice and guidance.
“I think the compliance rate is quite high because people understand that compliance is not because they are scared of being arrested by the police but they know their actions will contribute to breaking the chain of transmission. I think health matters are important to everyone, so that is the spirit we must uphold,” Uggah added. — DayakDaily
