KOTA KINABALU – Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor has pleaded for Sabahans to stay home and strictly follow health standard operating procedures as Covid-19 rages in the state.
The deadly virus is spreading within communities, and people can get infected even without realising it, he told reporters at the opening of the Kota Kinabalu skybridge today.
“What’s important is for everyone to observe the health SOPs. Please don’t attend gatherings or ceremonies, or even organised events, even the smallest ones. Stay indoors; go out only when it’s necessary.
“Please don’t do this at the moment; the spread of the virus is dangerous. We need to be very cautious.
“Please put your plans on hold for now, the infections are dangerous… we need to be very, very careful,” said Hajiji, who was himself hospitalised after contracting the coronavirus last year.
He said he is aware of calls from political and business circles for a full lockdown to be reimposed, but that there are too many adverse implications if this is done.
The lockdown imposed last year was devastating to the Sabah economy, with many businesses forced to wind up and thousands of residents rendered unemployed.
“The best thing right now is to adhere to the authorities’ advice to end the pandemic,” said Hajiji, adding that the state will also consider the military’s offer of field hospitals if necessary.
Sabah is seeing over 2,000 Covid-19 infections daily, with tens of thousands under home surveillance and more than 5,000 hospitalised, overwhelming the state’s public healthcare system.
Strengthening healthcare through legislation
Hajiji said his cabinet will consider expanding Sabah’s health jurisdiction to deal with the pandemic if a motion filed by the state opposition gets to the state assembly floor.
Two Sabah Pakatan Harapan leaders – Kadamaian assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedict of the United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation, and DAP’s Luyang rep Phoong Jin Zhe – have filed a motion for the state assembly to debate and pass a new law expanding state health authorities’ jurisdiction when it comes to handling Covid-19.
The opposition said the state is seen as powerless in its coronavirus handling, overridden by the federal government in terms of crisis management despite having its own health ordinances.
It also argued that public health comes under the federal-state joint list under the Ninth Schedule of the federal constitution.
“Whether the motion is allowed to be debated, we will see whether the speaker allows it. The government will not dismiss any good gestures. Good for the state and her people,” said Hajiji.
“We have nothing against ideas and proposals for the best for Sabah and her people.”
He gave an assurance that the state will manage the issue of overcrowding at hospitals.
Federal Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin will visit Sabah on Monday, and a meeting will be held to resolve all problems relating to the health crisis, he added.
As of last night, Sabah hospitals’ occupancy stood at 96%. At present, there are 11 hospitals dealing with Covid-19 cases in the state. – The Vibes, September 3, 2021
