Sarawak will be extending the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) statewide from Feb 15 until March 1, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) have announced.
The committee in a statement said the CMCO will be extended once more from 12.01am on Feb 15 until 11.59pm on March 1st.
“The standard operating procedures (SOP) can be acquired from the National Security Council (NSC) website,” said SDMC.
The Committee said throughout the CMCO period, all interzone movement in the state without permission from the police would be prohibited.
The committee also warned that economic activities such as the opening of daily markets, wholesale markets, farmers market, night markets and late night bazaars were not allowed in red zone districts around the state.
KUCHING: The Sarawak government has full confidence in the wisdom of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in ensuring that the state election can be held in accordance with the regulations of the State Constitution without compromising the safety of the people.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the nationwide declaration of emergency by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had removed the possibility of holding the election anytime soon.
The emergency effective January 11 to August 1, 2021 was declared as a measure to control the spread of Covid-19 pandemic in the country. It can be lifted earlier if an independent committee recommends that the pandemic is under control.
“I had actually planned to hold the state election last year, but we chose to postpone it as the circumstances did not allow it. The health and wellbeing of our people are the priority of the GPS government led by me,” Abang Johari said in his Chinese New Year (CNY) message.
On another matter, he pointed out that the Chinese community prioritised education for their children – “Wherever there is a Chinese settlement, there is also a school.”
He assured that GPS, as an inclusive government, would continue to provide annual assistance to 14 Chinese private secondary schools throughout Sarawak.
“The existing Chinese private school education system, which also involves many non-Chinese students, should not be neglected as it also contributes to the development of the state’s human resources – especially in the context of regional economy preceded by China’s economy,” he said.
Abang Johari said he had recently handed over a state government grant of RM10 million for this purpose and to continue the efforts initiated by former chief minister, the late Pehin Sri Adenan Satem.
“Aside from this, the state government has also provided assistance to Chinese primary schools, where some 60 percent of the students are Bumiputera,” he said.
On the Covid-19 pandemic, he noted that the situation seemed to be unrelenting for now, with the fourth wave even more vicious than previous spikes.
“We cannot afford to be complacent and make mistakes as the current jump in number of cases, particularly in Sibu, has shown that one single source of infection can cause thousands of others to be infected all over the state,” he said.
He also urged the people to practise honesty when providing information to the authorities as inaccurate information could cause unnecessary infection to others.
“We need to continue with our efforts to keep Covid-19 infection rates down again, and hopefully with the coming of the vaccine, the situation can be better towards the second half of the year,” he said.
In the meantime, he called on the people to abide by the standard operating procedures (SOPs) and cooperate with frontliners and enforcement authorities to bring down the infection rates.
Abang Johari also thanked the frontliners, noting that they had to bear tremendous work pressure and sacrifice to keep the people free from infection.
Although the Covid-19 pandemic prevented people from celebrating CNY in the usual way, he hoped that the tradition of celebrating CNY would still have its significance.
He said while the usual visiting activities could not be carried out, this should not stop the people from continuing to strengthen ties among each other by cultivating the spirit of mutual respect.
“I wish all our Chinese friends a happy Lunar New Year and may the Year of the Ox brings us prosperity, unity, good health, and deliverance from the Covid-19 pandemic in our beloved Land of the Hornbill,” he said.
(extracted and repost in full from an online portal)
The 12th Sarawak Elections will be called as soon as and when the Emergency is lifted.
PBB Wanita Wing have “instructed their members that their operations room to be open and also to activate their election machinery and to comply with the SOP’s. This is in view to prepare for the upcoming state polls and possible snap general elections’
They have also noted that “The general election, state elections and by-elections will not be held during the period of the COVID-19 emergency proclaimed to remain in force until Aug 1.“
This means that the existing mandate of state assembly members will continue to be in effect until Aug 1, when the emergency is scheduled to be lifted.”
By law, elections must be held 60 days after the legislature’s term expires. The Sarawak assembly’s term expires on June 6, and elections must be held by Aug 6.
Should the emergency be lifted on Aug 1, the assembly could be dissolved at that time, which would mean elections must take place by Oct 1.
PBB Wanita Wing in their Press Statement also urged the public to jointly fight Covid -19 and comply with the SOPs outlined by the State Disaster Managament Committee (SDMC) and not to be easily swayed by rumours or fake news.
It’s does seem crystal clear that PSB will not budge and at the time of writing will be contesting in 65 out of the 82 Sarawak State Assembly Seats.
PSB Secretary George Lo has this to say,”“We are not part of Pakatan Harapan and the agreement between PKR, DAP and Amanah on seat allocation has no effect on Parti Sarawak Bersatu or our preparations for the forthcoming state election.”
Earlier DAP Chairman and PH Sarawak Chief Chong Chieng Jen suggested a formula of 70:30 seat allocation between PH component parties and PSB.
Meanwhile PKR Sarawak Chairman Larry Sng in a facebook posting:-
“We will not wait for month end to pursue seat negotiations. Effectively any notion of an alliance between PKR and PSB is now dead. This is unlikely to change since both parties have been discussing for months, without any resolution.”
It will be an interesting showdown between the Political Parties as and when the elections will be which certainly be held after the lifting of the The #COVID19 EMERGENCY.
In politics if we keep quiet and stay under the radar according to a former Health Minister,””One is not a Politician if he KEEPS QUIET. ..!!!”
It does seem that a DAP upstart ( see attached extracted) is trying to create a platform for himself and making unnecessary and uncalled remarks like,”“inefficiency and lacklustre attitude” on GPS and PN especially on handling Covid19.
We would like to ask him:-
1. Is he in the frontline visiting the patients everyday?
We would like to ask him a ‘ton or more’ questions but it’s best for DAP to know what they should do and be seen with the RAKYAT IN AFFECTED AREAS instead of going for more “BRAGGING RIGHTS” in the public domain.
There is a time and place to do it but like our DCM mentioned to the reporters who questioned him on Politics or elections he would just reply courteously,”Not a time to politicize issues during a Pandemic covid19″
The upstart should know too that his statement will be creating more unnecessary attention towards our overworked health sectors and frontliners.
Now is not the TIME FOR UNCALLED STATEMENTS.
It’s just PREPOSTEROUS.……………..
(extracted from an internet portal online with thanks)
THE Perikatan Nasional and Gabungan Parti Sarawak should take the blame for the spike in Covid-19 cases, which saw total infections breaching the 200,000-mark yesterday, a DAP leader said.
Michael Kong, the special assistant to the state DAP chairman said the “inefficiency and lacklustre attitude” of PN and GPS leaders was the main reason cases in Malaysia appear to spiral out of control.
He added that while the Sabah polls last year had caused the third wave of Covid-19 infections in Malaysia, countries like New Zealand and Singapore were able to hold elections without seeing spike in Covid-19 cases.
“The key difference is the will power and determination by the respective leaders to combat Covid-19.
“While the leaders in Singapore and New Zealand took the bull by its horns and enforced strict restrictions, our leaders came up with half-baked efforts.
“Instead of leading by example, we see our leaders constantly flouting the Standard Operating Procedures,” Kong said in a statement today.
He added that even PN and GPS leaders had lost confidence in their own efforts to combat Covid-19, otherwise an Emergency would not have been declared.
Kong also criticised Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba and his two deputies, Datuk Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali and Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang for failing to provide leadership in containing the spread of Covid-19.
“Instead, everything is left for the Director-General, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah to lead and take responsibility,” he added.
Kong added that Malaysians yearn for the “normalcy” experienced by people in Singapore and New Zealand now and urged PN and GPS leaders to do some “self reflection and wisen up”.
The phone rang and Tan Sri Mawan answered and mentioned “Inspiring the Frontliners” on the subject matter of ‘COVID19″
Little did we know our interview was postponed as he was on the way back to his constituency in Pakan,Sarikei after only been back in Kuching for one and half days.
Our obvious reaction was Eeeeh..! Back again.. It does seem that most assemblyman during this Pandemic #covid19 is pushed to the brink and its no different to this experience and veteran assemblyman from Pakan in Tan Sri Mawan.
Will call you back or text u back he said as the phone will be out of range and our conversation will be cut off.
Wow! We know that during election time assemblyman/candidates would be criss/crossing their constituencies to ensure their vote banks are secured.
This is not election time but a Pandemic #Covid19 time and the positive figures have shot up to 255 cases in Sarawak on 24/1/21 where 1646 cases are being treated in hospitals in Sibu, Miri , Bintulu, Limbang and Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching and deaths have multiplied significantly too.
Obviously, as curious as our minds maybe but we waited for the TS Mawan to call back.
We looked up a few articles on this subject matter and these 2 caught our attention ,’Don’t relax on Vigilance despite zero-cases on four days” on 22nd August 2020 and “Sarawak CM announces RM1.15bil aid package.”
DCM Uggah who is also SDMC Chairman reminded everyone and informed the general public,”Though our figures for the last four days have been zero, it doesn’t mean that we have won the war.
“The war is still going on and the situation has not stabilised as expected. Therefore, I urge Sarawakians to keep complying with the SOPs, whether we are shopping or in public places or in restaurants. As we have seen from previous experience, when all of us adhere to the SOPs, the chain of transmission can be broken.
The Chief Minister on March 23rd 2020 on the RM1.15bil aid,“The package is a balanced people and business-centric model to cushion the impact of economic slowdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) government shares the pain of the rakyat during this trying time. We do not know when this pandemic will end but let us go through this together for Sarawak.
“Let us pray for the betterment of Sarawak.”
The Positive Figures have spiked and the third wave has also seen a major increase from zero transmissions to single digit and now its reached 3 digit. Most areas in Sarawak were Green but the virus has spread from the urban areas to reach the rural enclave of Sarawak. Some areas too have turned into RED ZONES.
The majority of Sarawakians do follow the SOP’s but there are some minority they do know who they are who are at fault but of course the asymptomatic are excused from the blame game.
The DCM and his SDMC team are up to their necks too with trying to contain the spread of the virus but as always its the people who will determine whether the COVID19 can be under control.
We must always be reminded though of this message,”I stay at work for you, you stay at home for us”
The post is a reminder to Sarawakians and all Malaysians that staying home not only curbs the spread of COVID-19 but lightens the burden of many medical experts and also front liners during this crucial time.
The phone rang and Tan Sri Mawan said to read his text message,”Going back to constituency to meet up with the frontliners ,to inspire them, to thank them for their unselfish work plus dedication.
We need to to appreciate them with not only words and gestures but also showing care, attention plus giving moral support to them.
They are putting their hearts and souls to contain the spread of Covid 19 and a word of “THANK YOU,TERIMA KASIH and Gestures of Thumbs up and Love hand symbol will be very much appreciative and music to their ears.
The GPS (Gabungan Parti Sarawak) Government under the leadership of CM Abang Johari has worked non stop,working extremely hard to minimize the inconveniences which the Pandemic has caused.
We are very much part of the team and we are back in “our kawasan” to ensure that the people’s welfare in terms of needs and wants are delivered and handed out.
The Frontliners are there for us and we must be there for them. Thank You. TS”
We know very well that the people will be encouraged and appreciative if the government does its utmost for their safety.
We must also be very thankful for those who sacrifice their services, in order to fight the virus and serve the country.
The Frontliners knows that the Sarawak Government have their backs and they will put in their shift to ensure that all of us will be out of reach from this Pandemic Covid 19.
It is up to each and everyone of us to also, “INSPIRE the FRONTLINERS”
We all have experienced how the Pandemic #Covid19 has affected our daily lives, livelihood and the impact it has on the community at large.
There are various regulations and SOPs put up by the Authorities such as Movement Control Order (MCO), Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO).
We, as the general public have to play our part as well to curb the spread but a year has passed but still the virus is determined to spread its wings to all corners of Malaysia.
Why is this so and are we doing enough on our part?
Senior Minister (Cluster Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah and others too will not have the answers but they have reminded us all (general public) of the imminent dangers if it continues.
Has this fallen to deaf ears?
Have the General Public given up and taken the high road”Tidak apa Attitude“
Constantly, we as human beings needs to be reminded and for that the authorities on their part have not failed us.
We do need to look back at the earlier SOPs too especially on sanitization of business premises, compliance on sitting arrangements, queuing up plus of course #socialdistancing (see article attached)
If and when we do practice what is being preached Covid19 will continue to enjoy the FREEDOM to REINVENT/REENGINEER/REEVOLVE and MULTIPLY.
WHY? Simple answer, we have the lackadaisical attitude.
So,fellow Malaysians lets all buck up and unite to fight against COVID19.
Other countries have managed to stop the pandemic and we don’t see why not us too.
MALAYSIA BOLEH BUKAN MALAYSIA TIDAK APA ATTITUDE
(Extracted from an online portal with thanks)
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 24 — Tomorrow marks a year since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country with the first case involving three Chinese nationals who entered Malaysia via Johor from Singapore on January 20, 2020.
During the first wave, the majority of Covid-19 cases were imported and did not involve Malaysians, while the infection during the second wave involved local transmissions with the first case reported on February 4, 2020.
It was during the second wave that the government imposed the movement control order (MCO), beginning March 18 with strict standard operating procedures (SOP) and a few months later, when the infection showed a declining trend, the government loosened the SOP slightly with the introduction of the conditional MCO (CMCO) from May 4 May, followed by the recovery MCO (RMCO) on June 10.
However, due to complacency, the virus has returned with a vengeance for the third wave and the government had to re-enforce the RMCO in most states beginning last October, and when the number of cases kept increasing, the government had to re-enforce the MCO, starting with six states and subsequently, nationwide, except Sarawak.
As of yesterday (January 23), the cumulative number of cases reported was 180,455, with 42,769 active cases, meaning the country is expected to continue to record high daily figures.
A total of 667 deaths due to Covid-19 has been recorded so far.
One thing that should be acknowledged is that the government has implemented various initiatives, advocacy and regulations in the country on the advice of the Health Ministry (MOH), whereby during this period, Malaysians are informed almost every day on the latest developments pertaining to the Covid-19 infection, especially by Senior Minister (Cluster Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Health Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
It has been a year, but issues on Covid-19 pose a main challenge to the country, not only in terms of health, but its impact on the economy.
Recently, during an exclusive interview with Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) journalist Thivyamalini Ramalu at his office, Ismail Sabri, as the minister responsible for the issue on addressing Covid-19 from non-health aspects, shared his views and experiences on the challenge of managing the pandemic, especially on the implementation of the prescribed SOP during the MCO, CMCO and RMCO period.
Following is the transcript of the interview:
Bernama: The Covid-19 epidemic has hit Malaysia for a year. Since March last year, the government has implemented the MCO, followed by the CMCO and RMCO. Initially, the effort seemed successful in reducing the number of cases, but it became critical to an extent that MCO was enforced again. What caused the increase in infection?
Ismail Sabri: At that time (March 2020), the people were very scared of Covid-19. When the government said ‘stay at home, do not go out’, almost all citizens obeyed and violation of the standard operating procedures (SOP) was less. But over time, (maybe) the people feel that life is back to normal because there is no MCO and even the government also started to provide relief gradually.
Almost all economic sectors were opened and even social activities, such as holding of feasts and sports activities were allowed, causing the people to feel safe from Covid-19. Although the regulation to wear face mask was observed, mass group activities still took place, especially during the Sabah State Election (PRN).
Physical distancing was almost not complied with. At that time, one of the reasons for the increase in cases in Sabah was due to foreign immigrants and spread in the next community, subsequently to the peninsula, after the PRN ended.
At this present moment on the upsurge and raging of Pandemic #covid19 and with 170 Longhouses on lockdown in Sarawak a voter says
‘Politics plays a back role and more importantly the welfare and health of the people matters. What is being published in the main stream media(attached below) will not be too good for the Government of the day.
We all know that there is a need for a New Political Mandate but top priority for the people would be the “containment, vaccine and Sarawak turning green instead of now being under MCO and CMCO.”
Now, its not the time to talk about Elections and we believe the Yang Di Pertuan Agong in his wise judgement and wisdom knows best as he cares very much for his Rakyat.
No doubt, Sarawak will choose its leaders and the Government of the day and Elections will be held when the #Covid19 is under control and contained.
The Sarawak voter reminded us all, “Sabah till today has 3 digit numbers and the total death is 50% of the country’s total of 660 as of 22/1/21.
Sarawak does not want to be the NEW EPI CENTRE and Sarawakians would not want to see their love ones fall like “tenpins”
There is no denying the fact that Government needs a fresh new mandate but for now its Health of Sarawak matters.
(Extracted from an online media portal)
KUCHING (Jan 22): Sarawak State cabinet members plan to appeal to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to lift the emergency order in Sarawak if the Covid-19 situation in the state can be brought to a manageable level.
Sarawak Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing said this in a WhatsApp message to Bernama after several cabinet members had an ‘informal discussion’ about the matter.
He said if the appeal is favourably considered, it would pave the way for the 12th State Election to be held as the term for the current State Legislative Assembly ends in June.
“It was discussed informally among my colleagues, as a way to have PRN12 Sarawak (12th State election), b4 (before) DUN (Sarawak legislative assembly term) expires in June 2021 after the MMKN (Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri or the State Cabinet) (meeting) on 21.01.21 (Wednesday),” he said in the text message.
The meeting was chaired by the Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here and Masing confirmed that Abang Johari was among those involved in the informal discussion.
“Yes. CM (Chief Minister Abang Johari) was there (in the informal discussion),” said Masing.
The deputy chief minister said the call for a state election would depend on the state’s ability to bring down the number of Covid-19 cases.
He said Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah had declared an emergency as the country was still battling Covid-19, and it (emergency) would restrict people from moving around.
“But if Sarawak can flatten the (infection) curve or contain Covid-19, we may ask the King to lift the emergency in Sarawak and then we (can) have the election,” he said.
On Jan 12, Al-Sultan Abdullah proclaimed a State of Emergency, to be enforced up to Aug 1, as a proactive measure to contain the worsening Covid-19 pandemic in Malaysia.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on the same day explained that the Cabinet had advised the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to proclaim a State of Emergency under Clause (1) of Article 150.
Clause (1) of Article 150 states that if the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is satisfied that a grave emergency exists whereby the security, or the economic life, or public order in the Federation or any part thereof is threatened, he may issue a Proclamation of Emergency, making therein a declaration to that effect.
The Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021 among others stipulated that general elections, state elections and by-elections, as well as Parliament and State Legislative Assembly sittings will not be held as long as the emergency is in force. — Bernama
The Pandemic #Covid19 has reached some areas in Rural Sarawak. The only way to stop the spread is as the Village/Longhouse committee will be to put a stop on outside visitors.
AWAS #COVID19 “Orang Luar di Larang Masuk” is not uncommon during this health crisis.
SOP’s need s to be adhered to and the committee is only doing that so that their community will not be seriously affected.
Continue to #fightagainstcovid19 practice #socialdistancing and #staysafe
(Extracted with thanks from online portal)
As the number of Covid-19 positive cases continue to soar, 12 longhouses in Kanowit have been placed under lockdown for two weeks.
The two week lockdown varies for each longhouse which includes Rumah Benjamin, Jelani, Tibu, Maria Bukong, Roma, Anthony Ikus, Dim, Engkulau, Keterina, Manggie, Samsudin and Ruman Lee Kok Sing.
However, as at Jan 20, it recorded 87 cases, with one death.
Kanowit, Sibu and Selangau are the three districts in the state under two-weeks of MCO from Jan 16 – 29.
During the lockdown, each longhouse is guarded by two Rela members, while the police made regular patrols.
Residents are provided with food and drinks, while those in need of medical supplies can submit their names to the Rela members and the police would send them to Kanowit Hospital.
Police had since closed the two exit points as inter-district travel is prohibited during the MCO period.
The two exit points are at the Majau Bridge and the Durin-Kanowit Bridge.
It’s no laughing matter and there are reasons why the authorities are hell bent on informing the general public of the seriousness if one has the symptoms of #covid19.
We have an extract from a covid19 patient and when she said its “PAINFUL” we sympathize with her.
The experience and write up is one of the many which thousands around the world has suffered.
Let us all do our part and continue to practise #socialdistancing #stayhome and #wearamaskinpublic.
*From an online portal with thanks
WHAT started as a common cold turned out to be the beginning of a Covid-19 nightmare for Ira Junu, a Sarawakian working in Johor.
Ira, who is from Miri, said she felt ill last Wednesday but did not think much of it until she developed a high fever, coupled with dizziness, joint pain, diarrhoea and shortness of breath.
Four days later, she finally decided to go to the Sultan Ismail Hospital where she was swabbed and confirmed positive for the virus on Monday.
“What I went through was very painful, it was not like a normal fever. Prolonged fever, joint pain, cough, loss of sense of taste, dizziness, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.
“It was a piercing pain to the heart, and at that time, only God knows how much pain that Covid-19 (symptomatic) patients go through,” she told Utusan Borneo.
She said she was only instructed to undergo quarantine at home, adding that it was possible that the quarantine centre was full.
The 25-year-old factory worker, who lives alone, suspected that she was infected at work as there had previously been positive cases reported there and there were still colleagues undergoing quarantine.
“It is a really painful experience, and I hope the public and friends out there realise there is a reason why our government is implementing the Movement Control Order. It is for our safety and health.
“However, there are still those who disregard it. Please help the government to curb the Covid-19 spread by following the set SOPs, aside from wearing face masks and frequent hand washing when they leave the house,” Ira pleaded.
During the quarantine, she said she had to take Vitamin C as there was no medicine or vaccine to fight Covid-19 but she believed she was getting better and she prayed to be freed of the virus.
Ira’s affliction came to light when she shared what happened to her on Facebook, and asked for prayers from family, friends and the public for swift recovery.
On Jan 12, the Ministry of Health (MOH) in a Bernama report said Covid-19 patients who have mild or no symptoms would undergo treatment and be quarantined at home, but they would be monitored strictly by health workers.
The home quarantine applies to Level 1 and Level 2 Covid-19 patients, which are codes for patients who are tested positive but showed no symptoms, and mild symptoms, respectively.
However, in Sarawak, patients who have tested positive are quarantined in medical facilities as part of the state’s own initiative to prevent the spread of the virus.
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