MIRI – Netizens are up in arms about a Covid-19 outbreak here originating from a birthday party, at a time when social gatherings are banned across Sarawak.
The party led to the Jalan Lilin cluster in the Taman Tunku housing estate, located some 10km from the Miri city centre, yesterday, with dozens of people involved.
The state Disaster Management Committee (DMC) secretariat said 22 individuals in the group are confirmed positive for the coronavirus.
“It was a social gathering to celebrate a birthday, and it caused a new cluster,” it said in a statement yesterday.
There are 48 other attendees still awaiting their test results.
The secretariat did not address how the event could have taken place amid the statewide ban on social gatherings.
Miri district yesterday saw 88 Covid-19 infections, the highest in the state, which logged 395 new cases.
Social media users asked how the birthday party could have gone unnoticed by enforcement agencies.
Lau Pei Chin, a resident, voiced frustration that irresponsible folk have caused another major outbreak.
“I don’t understand how police and local council units failed to stop such an activity, which was attended by so many people.
“Surely, if these enforcement teams had done their job of regularly patrolling the streets, they would have detected and stopped the party.”
Mariam Anthony said she is concerned about residents’ safety in the crowded neighbourhood.
“The authorities must impose the maximum fine on everyone who went to the party. The one who organised it should be arrested, too.
“These people have caused more problems for the whole community.”
Miri Mayor Adam Yii told The Vibes that he is angry with what happened.
“I really cannot understand how these people could have been so irresponsible to organise a birthday party during this pandemic.
“Surely they know there is a ban imposed by the state on such social activities.
“They have clearly committed a serious offence.
“I definitely support calls for these people to be fined the maximum amount.”
He urged police and the Miri divisional DMC to investigate the case and impose a hefty penalty. – The Vibes, May 14, 2021
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