MIRI – Sarawak leaders are cautioning against SOP violations during the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai Dayak festivities as it would likely result in an exponential rise in Covid-19 cases.
State Tourism, Culture, Arts, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Hamzah today expressed concerns over what lies ahead in the coming weeks.
“I pray that the coming festivities will not turn out to be avenues for worsening the Covid-19 outbreak. We already have more than we can handle.
“Those going home to visit family members and loved ones must remember it is not an occasion for open houses,” he said when distributing bubur lambuk to the needy in Asajaya town.
Karim said the decision by the state Islamic Council to allow family gatherings for the first three days of Syawal is only meant for immediate family members.
“The three days are not open house celebrations. They are only for immediate family members and not for others to visit.”
He said SOPs regarding the number of people in a house, personal hygiene, temperature checks and physical distancing must be observed.
Progressive Democratic Party president Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, meanwhile, voiced worries that the Gawai Dayak month-long affair in June may turn out to be nightmare, pandemic-wise.
“I feel there should be a ban in any outstation travel even during festivals. Already, longhouses are seeing yet another Covid-19 surge.
“The situation may get out of control if the expected exodus back to the longhouse happens,” he said in social media chats.
Tiong, who is also Bintulu MP, said the great efforts being made now to stamp the rise of Covid-19 may go to waste if more fresh outbreaks occur during Gawai Dayak, which starts on June 1.
Traditionally, the Gawai Dayak harvest festival lasts a month.
Tiong said much stricter SOPs must be imposed for the coming Hari Raya and Gawai period.
The Covid-19 death toll in Sarawak topped 190 yesterday following two more fatalities in Miri and Sarikei hospitals.
The state has recorded more than 33,000 infections as of yesterday evening. – The Vibes, May 6, 2021
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