PSB calls for free RTK testing for all Sarawakians
Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) is calling on the state government to conduct free RTK testing for all Sarawakians to break the chain of Covid-19 infection.
Its publicity secretary Liu Thian Leong said the Sarawak government ought to emulate Selangor whose Menteri Besar had declared free state-wide RTK testing in Selangor from May 8.
“The spike in Covid-19 cases in Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak should serve as a serious alarm to the state government which is at the helm to steer the people out of the pandemic crisis at all costs and by all means,” he said in a statement yesterday.
Liu, who is PSB’s potential candidate for Batu Kitang in the next state election, recalled that the chief minister had months ago announced that his administration would dig into the state’s reserves to procure Covid-19 vaccine.
He felt that free and compulsory Covid-19 swab tests for every Sarawakian would be equally important.
“The swab test results would reveal clearer picture on the routes of coronavirus spread, thus enabling SDMC (State Disaster Management Committee) to come up with better and more effective measures to curb the pandemic.
“As the virus mutates into variants which are even more infectious and deadly, there is really no time to lose. SDMC should act fast and put in place sufficient medical personnel and equipment such as ventilators and ICU (intensive care unit) wards as soon as possible,” he said.
Liu pointed out that the Sarawak government should not depend on the federal government when it comes to urgent needs such as the procurement of Covid19 vaccine and necessary healthcare equipment.
He said the state government should buy directly from overseas, if necessary.
He also appealed to the community to play an active role in fighting the pandemic by strictly adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOP).
“Only through concerted efforts can we finally overcome the pandemic and head towards recovery in our economy and normal ways of life,” he added.