No ‘lockdown’ in Sibujaya, enhanced SOP to reduce traffic movement
SIBU: Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai has clarified that there will be no ‘lockdown’ in Sibujaya as the two-week enforcement of the enhanced standard operating procedure (SOP) beginning today is targeted at reducing traffic movement due to high cases of Covid-19 in the township.
He was responding to a post on social media that had gone viral yesterday, claiming that the township of about 30,000 will be placed under a ‘lockdown’ from today and even those with police permits will not be permitted to travel out of the township.
“There is no lockdown in Sibujaya as residents there with police permit can still travel in and out of the township.
There is no issue about that at all.
The enhanced SOP is to restrict traffic movement in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19 in this township.
“Additionally, only businesses dealing with food, pharmacies, clinics, banks and petrol stations are allowed to operate in Sibujaya, while others even though they are categorised under essential services, they are not permitted to operate,” Sempurai told The Borneo Post when contacted.
He also advised Sibujaya residents to buy the necessities only in the township instead of taking the hassle to travel to the town centre.
As for the non-residents of Sibujaya wishing to travel to the township, Sempurai said he would leave it the discretion of the police.
He took the opportunity to appeal to netizens not to post any ‘mischievous’ or unfounded information that could trigger panic and fear among members of the public during this challenging time.
He also advised all Sibujaya residents to give their full cooperation and be patient with the restrictions following the enforcement of the enhanced SOP from today.
“We hope that with the enhanced SOP, we can break the chain of infection. I also urge all the residents to observe strict personal hygiene like washing your hands regularly or use hand sanitizer and when you are going out, wear a face mask.
“Only go out when necessary to get your food supply or other important things, otherwise just stay at home.
For those staying at the flats, please stay at your own unit and avoid any social gatherings at the moment.”
He called on those who are working and have working permits to travel out to the town centre to plan their journey ahead to avoid traffic jam at the police checkpoint at the main entrance of Sibujaya.
“We are aware that there are a lot of reports and complaints about traffic congestion at this checkpoint during the early morning and afternoon peak hours.
“We hope that with the enhanced SOP, the number of traffic will be reduced.
The council is getting in touch with the police to reduce the congestion at the checkpoint.
The key thing is, we all need to be patient and comply with the SOP, as there is no other way to flatten the infection curve,” Sempurai emphasised.
Meanwhile, in a press release Sunday night, Sibu Divisional Disaster Management Committee (SDDMC) had said an enhanced standard operating procedure (SOP) will be enforced in Sibujaya for two weeks from Feb 9 till 23 in light of the high number of Covid-19 cases in the township.