MIRI – Netizens are calling for the maximum RM10,000 fine to be imposed on longhouse folk who continue to flout set standard operating procedures (SOPs) to curb the spread of Covid-19.
These residents are known to cause coronavirus outbreaks due to their mass gatherings at cockfighting and drinking sessions.
Such was the case at Betong two days ago, when a cockfighting and drinking session sparked a series of Covid-19 cases totalling 55.
Netizens are therefore calling on politicians, police and other enforcement authorities to be firm in dealing with those who flout SOPs.
Sibu resident Amie Igat said the revised maximum fine must be enforced in Sarawak.
“Those who continue to disobey SOPs on social gatherings must be slapped with a RM10,000 fine.
“Only then will the message get across to longhouse folk that they cannot continue to cause the spread of Covid-19 as a result of their social activities.”
Resident Yan Richard claimed that such defiant acts of many longhouse residents have been happening since last year’s movement control order (MCO).
“These gatherings have been happening for a long time.
“Even during the MCO last year, we have seen longhouse folk gathering in big numbers to drink and feast.”
Netizen Anita Paime in a facebook post said politicians should be more forceful in ensuring people adhere to SOPs.
“We hear politicians appealing to the people to obey SOPs. They do this all the time.
“Why is it that we do not see punishments, like heavy fines or arrests, imposed on longhouse folk who flout SOPs?”
State Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said the defiant attitude of many Sarawakians is shocking.
He confirmed that cockfighting and drinking sessions at longhouses are among the reasons for the recent outbreak of Covid-19 cases.
“In my constituency (Betong), there has been a cockfighting session, involving three longhouses.
“The longhouse folk defied directives against social gatherings and were found party-hopping and drinking. An outbreak of infections was triggered. We have 55 cases, so far, among those who took part in the activity.
“We have been seeing a three-digit surge in cases every day, yet so many do not adhere to SOPs.”
Uggah also called on enforcement authorities to act sternly.
As of yesterday, Sarawak has recorded 83 deaths and almost 10,000 cases due to the coronavirus. – The Vibes, March 3, 2021
