SARAWAK taxi drivers have called on the government to make masks mandatory for all passengers flying in and out of the state.
Expressing concern over the rise in Covid-19 infections, Northern Sarawak Taxi Association committee member Johnny Ting said cabbies’ primary concern was the entry of “imported infections” into the state.
“Flights coming into Sarawak from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and other locations and those flying out are mostly full these days, since it’s the holiday and festive season.
“However, despite the large crowds and movement of people, most passengers I pick up at Miri Airport are not using face masks and are very relaxed over preventive measures.
“What is more worrying is that there are many foreigners and we do not know where they come from,” he said.
He said feedback from colleagues in Kuching and Sibu was the same – there was a major lack of Covid-19 preventive measures.
“In view of what we witness daily, it is no surprise Covid-19 cases are spiking in Sarawak,” he said.
Ting urged airline companies and the authorities not to wait until the last minute before initiating precautionary measures, especially the mask mandate.
“There is no need for these airlines to wait for any directive from the Health Ministry, they can act now and prevent the situation from worsening,” he said.
It was recently reported there had been a sharp spike in hospital admissions in Sarawak of Covid-19 patients needing intensive care and breathing support.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian sounded the alarm after learning of 39 Covid-19 hospital admissions from December 3 to 9, with 25 of them classified as serious cases under Category 5 that required respiratory support.
“Even those with four doses of vaccine can still end up dead due to the Covid-19 spike,” he warned.
Johnny Ngau, another taxi driver who operates around Miri Airport, said Sarawak was quick to act when the pandemic first struck, including closing its borders to all tourists.
“This is something we feel needs to be done to protect us and our families.
“I know it is again going to jeopardise our rice bowls, but I believe if we act fast and work together, we can avert a much bigger tragedy,” he said.
The Health Ministry has not yet announced mandatory precautions, although it has advised the public to take preventive steps, like using masks in congested areas. – The Vibes, December 19, 2023.
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