KUCHING: The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has instructed the Bintulu Divisional Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) to come up with a mechanism to facilitate movement of commuters passing through Bintulu.
Its chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said SDMC realised that there was an issue where people who are making their way to Miri and other nearby places are unable to pass through Bintulu due to the requirement of Covid-19 test result from April 5 to 18.
“We have directed Bintulu DDMC to modify this requirement to facilitate movement so that passing through Bintulu to Miri can be done seamlessly.
“We hope that they are working it out. I understand that some cargo trucks were instructed to turn back. So we advise Bintulu DDMC to find a mechanism to ensure that those who are passing through really are just passing through.
“Because there have been cases where people say they are just passing through, but were later found to be making their way into Bintulu.”
Uggah said this when delivering SDMC’s daily Covid-19 update on Tuesday (April 6).
He said the requirement was previously implemented in view of the rising number of cases in Bintulu.
“Bintulu today (April 6) has 52 cases and cases have been quite high, sparking concerns among residents.
“That is why they required anyone who wants to enter Bintulu must first be tested negative for Covid-19 and the screening ought to be conducted three days prior to the individual’s arrival,” he said, while advising the public to be patient with the directives.
“It’s not going to be long, only 14 days. We appeal to everyone to bear with this. They are trying their best to ensure that Bintulu Hospital and facilities will not be overwhelmed.”
Uggah also noted that SDMC was currently awaiting Putrajaya’s ruling on the procedure for entry to the state for those who have received their two doses of vaccine.
“On Sunday, I said that this could be discussed on Monday (April 5). But the meeting has been postponed, maybe to tomorrow (April 7).”
