Covid-19: Locals give thumbs up to interzone travel restriction
KUCHING: Sarawakians in general welcome the state government’s decision to impose inter-zone travel restrictions from Aug 1 to 14, to contain the rising number of Covid-19 infections.
Local business operator Gideon Chong said although the travel restrictions will have an effect on his movement, he remains optimistic and praised the government for its efforts in curbing the pandemic.
“The travel restriction will affect my work to some extent as a number of my projects will be delayed because of it. I understand and accept the restriction and I hope the people will also comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP) to help control the spread of the disease.
“I also understand that it’s a challenging dilemma having to balance between physical health and financial and economic health, (but) I think the Sarawak government has been doing a good job in managing the Covid19 (situation) overall,” he said when contacted by The Borneo Post yesterday.
Chong also expressed his hope that those whose livelihoods will be adversely affected by the travel restriction will receive some form of aid from the government.
The two-week travel restriction was announced Monday by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah during a press conference here.
The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee chairman said the restriction applies to travel between two zones – Zone 1 comprising the yellow zones of Kuching, Serian and Samarahan divisions, and Zone 2 comprising the green zones of Sri Aman, Betong,
I also understand that it’s a challenging dilemma having to balance between physical health and financial and economic health, (but) I think the Sarawak government has been doing a good job in managing the Covid-19 (situation) overall. Gideon Chong
Sarikei, Kapit, Mukah, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang divisions.
He said those who want to travel between Zone 1 and Zone 2 would need to apply for a police permit, but travel between divisions within the same zone would not require a permit.
He also announced that business operating hours in yellow zones would be restricted to between 6am and 10pm for all sectors from Aug 1 to Aug 14.
Grab driver Jayden Max said the travel restriction will impact fellow drivers who need to travel between zones, as they would be required to apply for a police permit to do so.
“(The travel restriction will have) huge impact for those driving in higher-risk zones with passengers. In the future, social distancing (between driver and passenger) and wearing face mask are a must, even after this pandemic (is dealt with),” he added.
Meanwhile, event management company worker Chris Zafri Hill said the restriction would not likely affect his movement as his employer currently does not have any projects or event that would require inter-zone travel.
In praising the state government’s initiative, he opined that the restriction should be extended to at least the end of August to enable authorities to fully contain the spread of Covid-19.
“The timeline (from Aug 1 to 14) is too short. The longer the better. As soon as the number of recoveries rise up, then maybe the restriction can be lifted,” he said.