No charges for burials

KOTA KINABALU: The government does not charge members of the public or patient’s families for funerals related to Covid-19 death, said Sabah Covid-19 spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun yesterday.

He said that it is only when the family engages the services of a private funeral parlour that fees were incurred. Those funerals are also closely monitored by the State Health Department.

“Burials undertaken by the State Health Department are free. But if the family chooses a private burial service involving transport, then charges will be incurred. I hope this is clear, the government does not charge for Covid-19 related burials.,” he said when responding to a social media claim that a local family was forced to pay RM6,000 for funeral expenses for a Covid-related death.

On whether night markets could open in Sabah, Masidi said it was up to the local councils to decide whether to allow such markets could open and comply with strict SOPs.

Masidi also stressed employers of illegal immigrants must ensure that all staff are free of Covid-19.

“The government will not compromise on ma ers related to health and safety, especially with the current pandemic. All employers should be responsible for ensuring that all foreign workers employed by them undergo the Covid-19 screening test,” he emphasized.

He said the State Government is in collaboration with the Immigration Department in implementing the regulation and workforce recalibration program to manage and coordinate illegal immigrants in Sabah to obtain valid employment documents.