MIRI – Many Sarawakians are refusing to take a second booster jab despite Covid-19 still being infectious in the state, lamented Batang Lupar MP Datuk Rohani Abdul Karim.
She warned that there is a high level of complacency against the virus and aversion against further inoculation despite the vaccines being medically confirmed as effective.
“Our society in Sarawak has suffered tremendously for the past two years due to the pandemic.
“Only now, we can celebrate the Hari Raya festivities openly, but we still need to be extra cautious, and the booster jabs are still crucial.
“However, many people now feel there is no longer a need to take up their second booster vaccinations,” she said at a Hari Raya gathering in Simanggang town today.
Rohani said that those who are reluctant and hesitant must be alerted to the risks they are facing.
She added that the socio-economic situation in Sarawak is just recovering and there is a need to prevent more mass infections.
Last week on May 6, another lawmaker also stressed that the Covid-19 crisis in Sarawak is still a worry, and the infections still a threat to society.
Even though the authorities have relaxed many of the strict standard operating procedures, it does not mean there are no more dangers of infections, said Sibu Disaster Management Committee adviser Dr Annuar Rapaee.
Speaking during a Hari Raya gathering in Sibu district, he said there are still people getting infected by Covid-19 every day in many places throughout Sarawak.
Dr Annuar, who is Nangka state assemblyman, and state deputy minister of education, innovation and talent development, said the Hari Raya festivities must be celebrated cautiously.
“It is good that we can celebrate openly now. However, the people must be reminded that Covid-19 is still infectious,” he said.
“People must not get complacent and think that they do not need to take precautions anymore, like wearing face masks in public places. – The Vibes, May 11, 2022