MIRI – Sarawak should tighten health checks at entry points to prevent monkeypox infections from entering the state, said Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
He said screenings at all border entry points on land, sea, rivers, and airports must be enhanced as the state has many incoming routes.
Dr Sim said although there has not been a single reported case of the disease in Sarawak as of May 25, the full reopening of borders has raised concerns on the matter.
“This monkeypox is another example of a virus that spreads from animals to humans,” he said on his social media profiles, including Facebook.
“It is similar to human smallpox and very infectious. The state must tighten our border control.
Dr Sim said the state government must ensure its borders are guided and that those who arrive there must honestly disclose any symptoms they may have, apart from surveying the current healthcare facilities for preparedness.
“We have many entry points on land, from air and sea and we must have strict checks even though we have no known case as yet in the state.”
On another matter, Sarawak’s other Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, called for more attention to be drawn to traditional practices and community activities of the state’s minority ethnic groups.
He said the wide promotion of their customs would prevent them from losing their importance.
Awang Tengah also said youth in Sarawak, as the younger generation, must be educated on these rare traditional practices.
“The state has very unique and interesting practices that are traditionally performed by the ethnic communities,” he said during the Pesta Babulang festival held by the Bisaya ethnic group in Limbang yesterday.
“We have dozens of racial and ethnic groups all over the state including the minority ones.
“Each of them has special activities and unique traditions of their own that they organise and enjoy during a specific period in the year.
Pesta Babulang marks the main annual festival of the Bisaya group and includes colourful parades, food fairs, and a buffalo race. – The Vibes, June 7, 2022
