MIRI – Some business owners in the Sibu division, comprising the districts of Sibu, Kanowit, and Selangau, are defying the movement control order (MCO) and refusing to cease operations.
These folk are claiming to be essential service providers even though they are not, said Sibu Municipal Council chairman Clarence Ting this morning.
Ting said the whole purpose of the MCO is to curb the spread of Covid-19, the case numbers of which have reached alarming levels in Sibu.
“We must deter the public from going out to bring down the infection rate. However, there are certain businessmen who still want to remain in operation. They claim they are essential businesses when they are not.
“I appeal to everyone involved in businesses to please close down until the MCO is lifted (January 29). Please play your part and help us stop the spread (of the virus),” he said.
Ting said essential services like clinics, food outlets and supermarkets can only open under strict adherence to permitted operating hours and standard operating procedures in terms of crowd size, social distancing, and wearing of face masks.
Food outlets can only offer take-aways and cannot allow dine-ins, he said.
He appealed to the people to stay at home and not go out unless absolutely necessary.
Sibu Hospital had 494 Covid-19 patients as of yesterday.
Ting said more positive cases are expected today.
He also said that drive-through swab tests on the compound of Pustaka Sibu are still being offered.
Close contacts of Covid-19 positive patients can drive there for testing without having to alight from their vehicles, he said. – The Vibes, January 16, 2021
