Malaysia

Sandakan minibus operations halted after Covid-19 cases

More than 300 drivers undergo swab test at community hall

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 06 Oct 2020 4:00PM

Sandakan minibus operations halted after Covid-19 cases
Minibus drivers waiting in line to get tested for Covid-19 at the Sandakan Community Hall yesterday. – The Vibes pic, October 6, 2020

by Rebecca Chong

SANDAKAN – Minibus operations here have been suspended for two weeks starting today after several drivers tested positive for Covid-19.

The infections were detected in a mass testing programme for drivers yesterday, and the decision to halt operations was announced by Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chairman Datuk Chin Kim Hiung shortly afterwards, following recommendations by the district’s health officials.

More than 300 drivers took the swab test at the Sandakan Community Hall, which opened its doors for the programme at 9am.

One of them said he is worried for his safety as he meets lots of people daily and handles cash fare often.

Another driver, 22-year-old Arman Rema, said he is concerned about potentially spreading the disease to his elderly parents.

Dion Ahmad, 39, said he and his colleagues are worried by earlier rumours of a Covid-19 case among them.

“We heard that this bus driver was infected on polling day for the Sabah election (September 26).

“We are more than happy to take this swab test because we are all worried.” – The Vibes, October 6, 2020

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