Baram folk welcome MCO extension to April 28 — Dennis

MIRI: The majority of folks in Baram, especially those in Telang Usan, welcome the government’s decision to extend the Movement Control Order (MCO) until April 28, said Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.

“In fact, most of the people in Ulu Baram want the MCO to be extended further to ensure the constituency remains a green zone,” he said, when asked on the reaction of his constituents to the MCO entering the third phase yesterday.

Baram to date has recorded zero positive Covid-19 cases.

According to Dennis, rural folk are hoping the authorities continue to tighten security to stop outsiders from travelling to Baram during the MCO, to avoid the risk of the coronavirus being brought in.

He said even though the MCO has brought some difficulties to the local population, they

In fact, most of the people in Ulu Baram want the MCO to be extended further to ensure the constituency remains a green zone. Dennis Ngau

understand that it has to be done to ensure everyone’s safety and wellbeing.

To a question, he said he was happy with the high level of compliance amongst his constituents towards the MCO.

“Most villages have erected barriers at the entrance to their longhouse. Some even use the People’s Volunteers Corp (Rela) to guard the entrance to prevent outsiders from entering their village,” he said.

This, he added, shows that rural folk understand the importance of the MCO and the seriousness of Covid-19.

“What saddens me however is that there are individuals in the city who ignore the MCO and choose not stay at home as directed by the government.

“They should be staying at home and know the seriousness of the pandemic affecting the world right now since they have access to the internet and information on the news, compared to those living in rural areas.”

Meanwhile, Dennis said he has been busy distributing food assistance to villages located in the remotest parts of Telang Usan.

“During these visits, I took some time to explain to them on the latest update of the situation so that they are aware of what is going on outside their village.

“Apart from that, I also informed them that the government has extended the MCO until April 28,” he said.

Dennis (third left) updates villagers in Ba Pakan, Sungai Akah on the latest situation concerning Covid-19 and the MCO, during a recent trip to deliver food assistance.