KOTA KINABALU – The National Security Council (NSC) is expected to announce a more lenient set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations as early as tomorrow.
Sabah Covid-19 spokesman Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, however, said he leaves it to Senior Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to announce the matter in more detail.
He hinted that the announcement will show that the government is concerned with the needs of the Chinese community, adding that a lot of families celebrating CNY will be happy with the news.
“There will be another announcement regarding requests from several parties, but I am not the suitable person to announce it. The NSC has made the decision today, and I know that it will be well received.
“However, I hope that these leniencies will not make people stop adhering to SOPs.”
During his daily Covid-19 live briefing today, Masidi said Sabah’s coronavirus figure is stabilising, adding that he hopes the people will continue to cooperate and comply with SOPs so that the number will reach a more stable stage.
Sabah recorded 169 new cases today, making the cumulative number of cases at 50,543.
The number of new cases in the state has been gradually decreasing from 276 cases on February 1. Sabah also does not have a backlog of cases to be tested as of today.
On night markets in Sabah, Masidi said SOPs have allowed for them to operate, but it is still up to the local authorities to decide.
“Local authorities will need to evaluate if a night market could comply with SOPs, such as preparing separate entry and exit points. If they find that a night market could not comply, they have the authority to disallow it from operating.”
On another matter, Masidi commented on a viral Facebook post that alleged the family of a deceased Covid-19 patient was charged RM6,000 by the Sabah Health Department to handle the transportation and burial process.
He said the department and all government hospitals have never charged a fee for the burial process of deceased Covid-19 patients.
“Only a private and authorised burial management company could charge the deceased’s family if they choose to use its service.
“But if a private company is involved in the process, officers from the health department will strictly monitor the burial process until it is completed.”
He also asked for private burial management companies to be considerate of such families, and charge a reasonable rate. – The Vibes, February 8, 2021
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