BUKIT MERTAJAM – The government should establish a system to prevent people living in enhanced movement control order (EMCO) areas from fleeing the vicinity prior to the lockdown.
Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said if people continue to leave such areas after the EMCO announcement, it will be difficult to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I think the government has to conduct free screenings to avoid residents from fleeing the area before the EMCO is implemented, as it is dangerous for those who are infected to leave the location.
“Residents fear that they will be locked in their houses for two weeks.
“If the EMCO is extended, without food and money, it will be difficult (for them) to stay home, so they leave the area quietly before the order is implemented.”
Lee was responding to a report on business owners, workers, and residents who fled Taman Nagasari here after the area was placed under EMCO.
Seberang Prai Mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud said these individuals are believed to have left after the announcement of the EMCO, which will be enforced until July 17.
Leaving the location to stay elsewhere, especially when the authorities are actively preparing to implement the lockdown order, is an irresponsible act, he added.
He said they have been warned to return to their respective houses so that the Health Ministry can conduct community screening.
There are 940 buildings in Taman Nagasari, 244 of which are for industrial use, 66 for commercial activities, as well as 295 terrace houses and 335 flat units. – The Vibes, July 5, 2021
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