MIRI – Sarawakians who are still hesitant about getting a second Covid-19 booster jab have been told to be wary of a possible surge in infections during the coming Gawai Dayak rush.
The Gawai Dayak festival that starts on June 1 may see a surge in cases due to the mass movement of people back to their settlements, said Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
“There are many high-risk groups out there. Many of them have not gone for their second booster injection,” he said at a pre-Gawai gathering in Sibu town last night.
“They are still hesitant but they need to get the second booster if they are going for their Gawai Dayak celebrations.
“They must get the second booster jabs before they start their travel back to their longhouses. The infection risks are still high.”
Last week, another lawmaker had warned that many Sarawakians are refusing their second booster jabs despite Covid-19 still posing a threat in the state.
Batang Lupar MP Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim had said there is already a high level of complacency with regard to the attitude of the general public concerning Covid-19.
On May 6, Sibu Disaster Management Committee advisor Dr Annuar Rapaee also stressed that the Covid-19 crisis in Sarawak is still a worry, and that infections are still a threat to society.
Even though the authorities have relaxed many of the strict standard operating procedures, this does not mean there is no longer the danger of infections, he had said. – The Vibes, May 15, 2022
