Malaysia

Sandakan minibus operations halted after Covid-19 cases

More than 300 drivers undergo swab test at community hall

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 06 Oct 2020 4:00PM

Sandakan minibus operations halted after Covid-19 cases
Minibus drivers waiting in line to get tested for Covid-19 at the Sandakan Community Hall yesterday. – The Vibes pic, October 6, 2020

by Rebecca Chong

SANDAKAN – Minibus operations here have been suspended for two weeks starting today after several drivers tested positive for Covid-19.

The infections were detected in a mass testing programme for drivers yesterday, and the decision to halt operations was announced by Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board chairman Datuk Chin Kim Hiung shortly afterwards, following recommendations by the district’s health officials.

More than 300 drivers took the swab test at the Sandakan Community Hall, which opened its doors for the programme at 9am.

One of them said he is worried for his safety as he meets lots of people daily and handles cash fare often.

Another driver, 22-year-old Arman Rema, said he is concerned about potentially spreading the disease to his elderly parents.

Dion Ahmad, 39, said he and his colleagues are worried by earlier rumours of a Covid-19 case among them.

“We heard that this bus driver was infected on polling day for the Sabah election (September 26).

“We are more than happy to take this swab test because we are all worried.” – The Vibes, October 6, 2020

Related News

Malaysia / 3d

Sabah embarks on five-year initiative to document multiethnic heritage - Hajiji

Malaysia / 4d

Anwar - Sabah's special grant interim payment increased from RM600m to RM1.5b

Malaysia / 5d

Anwar to clarify Sabah 40 pct entitlement talks tomorrow

Malaysia / 6d

Sabah: GRS confident government will agree to review revenue entitlement rate 

Malaysia / 1w

Main Sandakan-Lahad Datu road in Sukau collapses, thousands of users affected

Malaysia / 1w

Covid-19 cases in Malaysia stable, no deaths recorded this year – MOH

Spotlight

Malaysia

Former head of a ministry's corporate communications unit acquitted of bribery charge

Malaysia

Two sisters die trapped in Johor house fire as escape routes cut off by flames

Malaysia

NS election speculation intensifies as Aminuddin granted audience with state ruler

Malaysia

Teenager who drove recklessly, causing death remanded for further investigation

Malaysia

Police looking for trio involved in violent armed robbery in Penang (video)

Malaysia

Family of five killed as car crashes into water pipe in Serian

Malaysia

'I was once spat on by a pakcik' — Marina denies fear of contesting Malay-majority seats

Malaysia

Jewellery shop among six premises destroyed in fire (video)

You may be interested

Malaysia

Fuel prices fall as Malaysia warns of prolonged global oil supply risks

Malaysia

Johor state election: Will it be a test run or pre-empt a full GE?

Malaysia

Anwar vows further cost-of-living relief as Govt balances reforms with economic stability

Malaysia

Sarawak seeks China collaboration to fix growing doctor shortage

By Alfian Z.M. Tahir

Malaysia

'I touched his cheek in a friendly manner' - Beruas UMNO chief denies slapping Nik Aziz's grandson

Malaysia

Chinese national identified as organiser of drug-fuelled party raided in KL hotel

Malaysia

PH Negeri Sembilan emergency meeting discusses PRN preparations

Malaysia

Azam Baki denies threat allegations after giving statement to police