KOTA KINABALU – Sipitang police suspect that the sudden spike of Covid-19 cases linked to the Kg Melaman cluster stemmed from religious activities.
District police chief Champin Piuh in a statement today said there are irresponsible individuals behind a prayer gathering, adding that police have identified some of them.
“Many (people) who are unhappy with the incident have come forward to lodge reports. They want police to probe into the incident and take legal action against those responsible.
“We have identified several individuals involved in the gathering, but they, along with their families, are currently being treated in hospital after being infected with Covid-19,” he said, adding that their statements will be taken once they are discharged.
He urged other people who took part in the religious gathering to come forward and give their statements to police.
The authorities have also received a report lodged by the Borneo Evangelical Church in Sipitang, denying its involvement in organising the activities.
“The church claimed that they heed to the written directive from its headquarters and the government to not hold any religious activity at the church or at home,” said Champin.
“The organising of the activities was done in the capacity of private individuals at home.”
Yesterday, Sipitang recorded 19 Covid-19 cases via the Kg Melaman cluster, with most infections involving close contacts. – The Vibes, July 22, 2021
