KUCHING: Sarawakians residing in Malaya, Sabah and Labuan should not return home for the coming Chinese New Year this year.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said that the rapid rise of Covid-19 cases in areas outside of Sarawak has become a cause for concern.
“Stay where you are and refrain from coming home to Sarawak. Give Chinese New Year at home a miss this year to protect your family, friends and loved ones,” he said.
In view of this New Sarawak Tribune met with the public to get their views on the matter.
All of them agreed with Dr Sim and advised those staying outside Sarawak to not return home.
They said that while it may be painful to not be home for Chinese New Year, they understood that the risk of bringing the virus back to their families is even more painful.
SHAWN WONG
Seeing that we have reached the 3,000 mark, I strongly agree with the minister’s advice. As part of the festive season, citizens will be travelling back and forth and this will increase the virus’ infection rate. As citizens of Malaysia, it is our responsibility to help stop the spread of Covid-19 and not just solely rely on frontliners. We all must work together to eliminate this pandemic.
AMIR ZAHIRUDDIN ROSELAN
I agree with what has been said by the minister. Recently, cases have spiked again in our country due to the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Though we do follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs), under certain circumstances like at rest and relaxation (R&R) spots, aeroplanes, and buses, we are still in a confined space and social distancing cannot be done because of space limitations. Let us not be selfish by putting everyone at risk. No matter how much we miss our families, their health and safety matter.
YEO HUEY TYUG
With the rising number of positive cases, the government is having a hard time controlling it. I suggest that the movement control order (MCO) should be implemented to help curb the spread of Covid-19. I hope that no one returns to their hometown during the holiday season and just stay wherever they are. Your health, along with your family’s, should be prioritised above all.
AISHAH TEOH
The government should impose a travel ban. I do want to go home for Chinese New Year, but I do not want to bring the risk of spreading the virus to my family members. To those who still want to go back, do it on your own risk and keep in mind that you have to bear the consequences if anything happens.
NIGEL WONG KENG HOE
When it comes to the rising of cases during the festive season, some cannot understand what those figures mean. From my own experience, it is hard to make our loved ones understand the impact of these numbers to the nation. I hope the people would be more responsible and stop the spread of the virus.
SANDRA SINOM ANGGAT
I have to agree that if it’s not necessary, Sarawakians who live away from home should not risk themselves, their families, friends or even strangers to the probability of being infected by the coronavirus during this festive season. My advice for those affected by this is to seize the opportunity to utilise technology. The experience may be different but this is a good approach to take.
