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KOTA KINABALU: New daily Covid-19 cases in Sabah saw a jump on Friday (December 11) with 532 cases, almost double the number recorded on Thursday (December 10).
State Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the high number of cases today was attributed to the results of the screening tests of two groups located in Kota Kinabalu and Lahad Datu, respectively.
“Out of today’s total figure, the Rumah Merah group from the Menggatal temporary detention center in the state capital registered 150 cases, while the Dbajaru group from Lahad Datu registered 133 cases,” he told a virtual press conference on Friday. .
On Thursday, Masidi warned that the state could see an increase in cases due to mass screening at the Menggatal detention center with the results released today.
The mass examination was conducted as a continuous follow-up of the detainees where initially, several detainees showed symptoms and tested positive for the virus on December 10.
“To date, 1,702 detainees have been evaluated using the RT-PCR method,” he added.
On the issue of limited customers in restaurants, the state government will maintain the current standard operating procedure for dining (SOP), which is half the capacity of the table size.
“Many have asked about this and we would like to clarify that we will continue to maintain the current POE as the number of new cases continues to be concerning.
“The table for four can only have two people, while three people will be allowed at a table for six and four people at a table for eight.”
He said the one meter physical distance and relevant standard operating procedures must be adhered to.
On a question about the exact funds needed to revive the tourism industry in Sabah, he said that according to the Economic Action Committee’s projection, it will take at least four years to help the industry recover due to the spread of Covid-19 .
“I know some believe that vaccines will help the industry to recover, but we should not trust them completely.
“It will take time, even if we reopen the borders, it does not mean that the hordes of tourists will return immediately, there are other factors and it takes time to regain trust as travelers are more cautious.
“It is difficult but it will not be impossible, just don’t expect it overnight as it involves other countries and not just Sabah,” he said.
Masidi said that based on information from the state Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, the government has allocated RM25 thousand annually to the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) to reinvigorate tourism promotion efforts.
“In conclusion, it is not easy to determine the actual amount needed … But the ministry in question is in the process of drawing up budget estimates through the Tourism Recovery Committee at the STB,” he added.
In another development, he denied the viral post on social media claiming that the entire Donggongon City will be closed for two days from today to allow disinfection.
Regarding the current shopping frenzy in which visitors crowd the shopping centers during the Christmas season, he assured that the physical distance is still maintained and that the administration of the shopping centers has aimed to ensure that it is fulfilled.
“It is the responsibility of (shopping center) operators to investigate and penalties can be imposed on both errant shoppers and business owners.
“With the arrival of Christmas, we do not want to spoil your fun with punitive measures, so please follow the protocols,” he asked the public.
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