Malaysia

Kuching’s Covid-19 clusters go undetected as infections soar

Outbreaks flying under radar in high-risk locations as Sarawak struggles to contain pandemic

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 12 May 2021 12:59PM

Kuching’s Covid-19 clusters go undetected as infections soar
Based on the addresses and locations of recurring Covid-19 infections in high-risk locations in Kuching, state Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian says there are definitely more undetected clusters in the area. – Wikipedia pic, May 12, 2021

by Stephen Then

MIRI – There are more undetected Covid-19 clusters in Sarawak’s capital Kuching based on recurring infections in high-risk locations.

State Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian warned that these undetected clusters may add more issues to the worsening pandemic in the state.

“Looking at the addresses and locations of recurring Covid-19 infections in high-risk locations now in Kuching, there are definitely more clusters out there yet to be detected.

“I have asked the state Health Department and divisional health offices to be more swift in detecting emerging clusters.

“They must make known and disclose hotspots so the public can take action to protect themselves,” he said today in his daily social media chats with his constituents.

Dr Sim is Batu Kawah assemblyman and adviser to the state Disaster Management Committee.

He called for greater levels of vigilance and compliance to all state SOPs.

On the decision by Sarawak to not implement the movement control order (MCO) despite the infections and deaths, Sim said the most important is the enforcement of the SOPs regardless of MCO status.

“Sarawak under conditional MCO has already implemented most of the MCO measures announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.”

Sarawak, Dr Sim said, has imposed many enhanced SOPs.

“We have imposed orders such as no inter-district or inter-zone travelling, no schools allowed to open, no social gatherings, meetings or seminars, and all shops must close by 10pm (8pm in Bintulu and Sibu).

“Eateries can only cater to takeaways while sports and recreational activities are restricted. Hari Raya family visits are to be done only on the first day (Syawal 1).”

Sim said strict compliance of all these measures is crucial to tamp down on the rise of more infections.

Sarawak has a death toll of 211 and some 36,000 infections as of yesterday evening. – The Vibes, May 12, 2021

Related News

Malaysia / 1w

Sarawak seeks China collaboration to fix growing doctor shortage

Malaysia / 2w

What matters: Policies that truly understand the rakyat

Malaysia / 2w

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

Malaysia / 1mth

Sarawak wants to take over several more strategic entities from the Federal Government

Malaysia / 1mth

Author warns against taking Sabah, Sarawak harmony for granted

Malaysia / 1mth

No disruptions to healthcare services despite budget cuts, assures minister

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

PAS confirms meeting with Hamzah-led RESET group, details to be announced in Kelantan tomorrow

Malaysia

Sultan Nazrin warns AI, fake news and extremism are shaping youth thinking at unprecedented scale

Malaysia

Women are pillars of national progress, community formation - PM Anwar

Malaysia

‘Keep it clean’: Anwar demands transparency and discipline as twin state polls begin

Malaysia

EC cites logistical constraints, lack of operational readiness for separate Johor and NS polls

Malaysia

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

Malaysia

Eight homes destroyed in morning fire at Kuala Perlis

Malaysia

Two women detained after foetus found outside baby hatch