‘Strict controls needed to protect longhouses from Covid-19’
KAPIT: Strict controls under the Movement Control Order (MCO) are necessary to protect longhouse communities here from Covid-19, said Pelagus assemblyman Wilson Nyabong Ijang.
He pointed out that efforts to prevent those from outside Kapit from coming here are necessary for the good of the community.
“Thank you to all the enforcement agencies involved in the MCO working closely with the Kapit Division Disaster Management – Covid-19 Virus Committee. Kapit is a green zone because we did very well when roadblocks and river patrols were set up to monitor and discourage people from outside Kapit coming in.
“Outsiders were turned back as our preventive measure. We have to be very strict because if any outbreak occurs in longhouses, the whole community would suffer,” he said when contacted yesterday — the start of the third phase of the MCO, which will run until April 28.
Bukit Goram assemblyman Jefferson Jamit Unyat also agreed that the committee has had to adopt stringent measures to discourage movements.
“The government, through the local YBs, distributed food aid to those residing in remote longhouses whose livelihoods have been affected by the MCO. Apart from helping those in dire need, the food aid is actually to discourage people from rural areas coming into town, thus reducing the risk of any possible contact with the virus,” he said.
Jamit appealed to the public to fully cooperate with the authorities.
“Less people or vehicles coming into town means less work for the police and Rela on duty. Bear in mind, all front-liners they are also human beings like you and me. They stand guard as frontliners because they are dedicated and committed to executing their duties and responsibilities during this period of difficult times.
“Thus, my advice is unless you have urgent matters, please just adhere to the Prime Minister’s advice to stay at home,” he said.
Meanwhile, several roadblocks were seen along roads towards
Kapit Bazaar to prevent those without valid reasons from traveling to town.