By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 8: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has denied favouritism or special treatment for Petanak Market after a public outcry over the market being closed only for one day instead of 14 days following a Covid-19 positive case.
The public has questioned MBKS’ way of handling issues concerning Covid-19 after the Petanak Market was only closed for a day while some markets were closed for two weeks when Covid-19 cases emerged in the premises.
Wee explained that the Covid-19 positive case linked to the Petanak Market was not stemmed from within the market as the patient was last at the market on April 25 and tested positive on April 28.
“So for precaution, we closed it for a day to carry out cleaning and sanitising.
“But following the detection of a case and prior to the closing of the market, there was a six-day gap so we advised those with close or casual contacts to undergo Covid-19 screening.
“Fortunately, these groups of people tested negative. And for extra precaution, these people are also asked to observe self-quarantine from May 3 to 10,” he said during a Facebook live session with the community today.
The entire procedure, he emphasised still lasted for about two weeks.
MBKS, he reassured, will follow the State Health Department’s instruction if the order came in for the market to be closed for 14 days.
“Otherwise, we will follow MBKS protocol.
“So I hope the public can understand and do not stir it into an issue that we have favouritism over Petanak Market or that I have a political agenda. I will not talk about politics as I have too much work to do,” he added.
Wee also called on people to not spread negativity or blames especially criticisms on healthcare professionals as it will not lead to a desired outcome of bringing down the number of cases and improve the Covid-19 situation in Sarawak.
Furthermore, he added that such negativity will have an impact on frontline workers who are already under immense pressure from being pushed to the limit, overworked, overstretched and had sacrificed most to manage the pandemic as well as to save and protect lives.
“We are not here to fight for credits. All of us like the ordinary citizens have one goal and aim and that’s to end the pandemic.
“We want the people to stand together, cooperate and fight together with us in order to win the war against the Covid-19. We only have one enemy and it is the Covid-19 pandemic,” he pointed out.
Most important now, he reiterated, is that every one should already have the self-discipline and adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP), instead of having to be reminded over and over again. — DayakDaily
