Malaysia

Defiant CNY revellers to blame for spike in S’wak Covid-19 cases: Sim

Checks by health authorities show many people violated SOPs for social gatherings during festival

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 25 Feb 2021 3:00PM

Defiant CNY revellers to blame for spike in S’wak Covid-19 cases: Sim
State Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian (centre) says SOP violations were found to have taken place at food and beverages outlets and in private residences during CNY. – Bernama pic, February 25, 2021

by Stephen Then

MIRI – The blatant disregard of the ban against mass gatherings during Chinese New Year (CNY) is to be blamed for the recent surge in Covid-19 infections in Sarawak.

Investigations by health authorities on Covid-19 patient activities over the past two weeks have found that they had violated the CNY standard operating procedures (SOPs).

State Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, on social media today, said the defiant behaviour and SOP violations were found to have taken place in food and beverages outlets and private residences.

“Health authorities have found that the key factor that caused the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the state was social gatherings for the CNY celebrations. This is why there is a sharp increase in infections especially in Kuching and Samarahan.”

Chap Goh Meh on Saturday may be another factor that will add to the number of Covid-19 cases in the state, he added.

Just yesterday, Sarawak logged a new daily record of 323 cases. So far, the state has a death toll of 76 and almost 9,000 total infections. – The Vibes, February 25, 2021

Related News

Malaysia / 2w

Covid-19 cases in Malaysia stable, no deaths recorded this year – MOH

Malaysia / 3mth

Bad move to channel EPF dividends into Account 3 for festive withdrawals, cautions economist

Culture / 3mth

Penang’s Miao Hui celebration draws large multi-racial crowd

Malaysia / 3mth

Ethnic, religious celebrations an important platform for goodwill and unity - Armizan

Malaysia / 3mth

"Today is Chinese New Year, let's focus on unity" - PM Anwar

Malaysia / 3mth

Rain, thunderstorms forecast in most states on first day of Chinese New Year

Spotlight

Malaysia

Bersatu-PH tie-up a possibility as coalition seeks Malay support, analyst says

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Woman molested on her way home from work (video)

Malaysia

Court allows Daim's daughter to permanently keep passport

Malaysia

Santiago pokes holes in data centre hype, asks: Who really benefits?

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

Jeweller vows to pursue Rosmah until ‘every penny’ is recovered as RM67.5m battle enters enforcement phase

Malaysia

Ambulance carrying two injured men crashes en route to hospital after MPV collision in Besut

Malaysia

Man blames 'lack of love' for sexual assault on teens

Business

BNM's OPR to stay at 2.75 pcent in 2026 amid strong domestic demand - Kenanga IB

Malaysia

Missing jewellery: Rosmah ordered to pay RM67.5 million

You may be interested

Malaysia

Tunku Zain proclaimed as Tunku Panglima Besar of Negeri Sembilan

Malaysia

Police press ahead with probe despite TikToker’s public apology over Tok Batin claims

Malaysia

Undangs accused of clinging to power as directive raises questions over legitimacy

Malaysia

KL police to double school deployments in traffic law crackdown

Malaysia

Hamzah Zainudin set to make announcement at “Malaysia Reset” convention in Kelantan

Malaysia

Anwar vows uncompromising anti-corruption drive as Govt moves to strengthen MACC

Malaysia

MyDigital ID kiosks to be upgraded with facial biometric verification to tighten digital security

Malaysia

Fahmi rebukes PKR MP for bypassing party channels after central leadership exit