Minister optimistic of S’wak opening up more economic sectors soon
KUCHING: More economic sectors will be opened as Sarawak is set to approach Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).
In pointing this out, Minister of Local Government and Housing Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian said the plan had always been to save and revive the people’s livelihoods.
He added that under Phase 2, dine-in would be allowed in restaurants subject to strict observation of the set standard operating procedures (SOP).
However, social activities such as birthday parties and weddings would still be prohibited as these could result in crowding of people, he pointed out.
“Last month, we had to extend the Movement Control Order (MCO) to save lives. This was because our hospitals and the PKRC (Covid-19 Quarantine and Low-Risk Treatment Centres) were full.
“As we strive to save lives, everyone continues to play their roles and doing their part (in the fight against Covid-19),” he said when met at the ‘Community Pantry’ programme in Kota Samarahan yesterday.
Dr Sim, who is Batu Kawah assemblyman, said with Sarawak approaching Phase 2, the vaccination programme would continue on.
In this regard, he expressed hope that by this July 22, 50 per cent of the population in Sarawak would have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
He estimated that to date, over 50 per cent of registered vaccine recipients in the state had received their first-dose jabs.
Meanwhile, the ‘Community Pantry’ programme run under Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) highlights the commitment of local mass retail players in helping the government provide food aid to the needy folk who are adversely impacted by the Covid-19 situation.
Under this programme, the council is collaborating with several homegrown supermarkets to arrange for food aid meant for those in need.
The participants are H&L, Aiman Mall, LePaPa Hypermarket, Unaco, Farley, Sen Sen, Emart, Choice, Everwin, BB, Everrise, and CS Supermarket.
“During these trying times, we must help those who are desperate and in need (of help).
“I urge more supermarkets in Sarawak to come in and volunteer for this kind of programme,” said MPKS chairman Dato Peter Minos when met at the distribution of food packs under the ‘Community Pantry’ initiative at Farley Supermarket here yesterday.
The ‘Community Pantry’ organising chairman Dato Sim Kiang Chiok was also present.