Mainland off limits to Pulau Gaya residents unless emergency – CM
KOTA KINABALU: The mainland is still off limits to residents of Pulau Gaya during the Movement Control Order (MCO) which has been extended to April 14.
There is however an exception for medical cases and emergencies, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal.
“We decided that for residents in Pulau Gaya, exemption will be given to those who have a need to come to the mainland like if they need to get their medication or in an emergency situation.
“The police have made arrangements for the boat(s) to transport them to and fro from Pulau Gaya to the mainland,” he said.
Shafie also said that the state Health Department had conducted an outreach program on Pulau Gaya to screen the residents and check their overall health.
Meanwhile State Secretary cum chairman of the Sabah Covid19 Command Centre, Datuk Safar Untong, said that a boat had been identified in each of the four villages on Pulau Gaya to transfer these special cases.
He added that the police would be setting up a movement schedule for the boats.
In another development, Shafie urged NGOs that wish to send assistance to the needy during the MCO period to inform the Welfare Department and District Office of the places they want to go to.
“We encourage NGOs to donate but it must be coordinated by the Welfare Department and managed by the District Office. We do not want members of the NGOs going around as we want to protect them from becoming infected by the Covid-19 virus and pass it to others.
“We appreciate their noble intention and we will continue it for them. There is no need for the NGOs to go down to the kampungs or meet the people there. There is also a ready structure in place at the District Office and coordination is done by the state and federal Welfare Departments to ensure that the assistance like food aid reaches those who need it,” he said.
Shafie also said that Rela will be enlisted to help distribute the aid to the areas and people identified by the NGOs.