Permit required for inter-district travels during MCO — DCM

KUCHING: Sarawakians are now prohibited from moving between districts, with the exception given only to those working in essential services, as part of the state’s strategy to stop the spread of Covid-19 during the duration of the Movement Control Order (MCO).

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas says those who need to travel between districts are required to obtain permit from their respective district or resident’s offices.

“All those who are involved in essential services have no restriction, and the police understand that requirement. For those not in essential services (but have to travel between districts), they must obtain permits from their respective district or resident’s offices,” Uggah said in a press conference held after chairing a State Disaster Management Committee ( JPBN) meeting at Wisma Bapa Malaysia yesterday.

All those who are involved in essential services have no restriction, and the police understand that requirement.For those not in essential services (but have to travel between districts), they must obtain permits from their respective district or resident’s offices. Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas

He also appealed to those not working in essential services to not travel between districts unnecessarily or without any good reason, and to strictly abide by the MCO to break the chain of Covid-19 infection.

“If we don’t travel, the chances of the virus spreading can be broken. We realise the inconveniences; there are some sacrifices to be made, but it is for the good of the people. We want to make sure that this crisis would be over as soon as possible.

“So I appeal to everyone to endure, for the safety of everyone including their immediate families,” said Uggah, who is also JPBN Sarawak chairman.

Meanwhile, he revealed that according to the police, the level of compliance with the MCO among Sarawakians was at 95 per cent.

He said as at yesterday, police had made 67 arrests across the state of those found to have flouted the MCO, bringing the total number of arrests in Sarawak since the MCO was enforced on March 18, to 229.

“Today, 31 cases have been charged in court, making the total number of accused at 56. The remaining cases are still being investigated,” said Uggah.

— Photo by Nigel Edgar Uggah speaks at the press conference. He is flanked by Minister of Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian (left), and Minister of Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah.