Malaysia

BTS cluster next? Uproar in S’wak as crowds break SOP for fast-food promo

Assistant minister takes Sibu folk to task over irresponsible behaviour at critical point of virus battle

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 27 May 2021 1:02PM

BTS cluster next? Uproar in S’wak as crowds break SOP for fast-food promo
People queuing at a Sibu McDonald’s yesterday after the launch of the fast-food chain’s BTS promotion. – Facebook pic, May 27, 2021

by Stephen Then

MIRI – McDonald’s BTS meal promotion has attracted large crowds in Sibu as lines snaked around the block, prompting shock from Sarawak’s Assistant Public Health Minister Dr Annuar Rapaee.

Many people are also upset and angry over the crowds that gathered yesterday in the town centre, he said.

Dr Annuar, who is also Nangka assemblyman and Sibu Divisional Disaster Management Committee coordinator, today took to social media to air his disappointment over the incident.

He said the crowds could have triggered another Covid-19 outbreak.

“I want to talk about this incident that happened at Sibu McDonald's where long queues were seen (by people) waiting to buy promotion meals. Many people are very upset with the incident.

“Medical frontliners are already struggling to cope with so many Covid-19 cases and here, we have people endangering themselves and others just for fast-food meals.

People waiting in a line that snaked around the block from a McDonald’s in Sibu yesterday. – Facebook pic, May 27, 2021
People waiting in a line that snaked around the block from a McDonald’s in Sibu yesterday. – Facebook pic, May 27, 2021

“There are medical frontliners who have to sacrifice their meals in order to handle urgent cases every day non-stop and yet, we have people who are concerned about queueing for fast-food during a pandemic,” he said in Facebook chats last night and today.

Dr Annuar said Sibu folk must stop curb Covid-19 infections, especially as the district has been seeing triple-digit surges in Covid-19 cases and more deaths in recent weeks.

Sibu Hospital is already operating beyond capacity what with the many new cases, he added.

He appealed to the public to be considerate and not to engage in risky behaviour that could worsen the situation.

Meanwhile, netizens called for action to be taken against those in the crowd for defying SOPs and disobeying the ongoing ban on public gatherings, as well as the fast-food outlet operator.

Sibu, along with Kuching, Miri and Bintulu, are the districts worst hit by Covid-19. – The Vibes, May 27, 2021

The BTS promo sparking attention lately. – McDonald’s pic, May 27, 2021
The BTS promo sparking attention lately. – McDonald’s pic, May 27, 2021

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