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Dr. Kelvin Yii speaks in Parliament in this file photo.
KUCHING (Dec 29): In light of the increase in Covid-19 cases in the Klang Valley, with Kuala Lumpur and Selangor classified as red zones, Bandar Kuching MP, Dr. Kelvin Yii, urges the Management Committee of Sarawak Disasters (SDMC) to not quarantine only normal people returning to Sarawak, but also VVIP, including politicians.
“I believe that when it comes to preventing an infectious disease like Covid-19, there should be no double standards in the necessary standard operating procedures (SOPs), especially when it comes to politicians or public figures, who by the nature of their work, will know many people thus increasing the risk of spreading the disease.
“In Sarawak, we have one of the best advantages in terms of disease control, which is our migratory autonomy, where we can limit those who enter and subject them to quarantine, thus reducing the possibilities of local transmission, especially for those who come at high risk. . areas, “he said today in a statement.
However, Dr. Yii noted that this advantage will be compromised when the state begins to waive too many VVIPs.
“Currently, ministers and other politicians returning to Sarawak need to prove they are negative at least three days in advance, but that test itself does not guarantee that they will not contract the virus immediately after taking that test, or perhaps when the test was performed. , the virus is still in the incubation period and therefore returns a negative result.
“The risk is greater, especially if there is a red zone where the virus is in the community and the risk of contracting it is greater,” he said.
Dr. Yii understands that certain “essential services” are needed to continue.
“But I think politicians can take innovative steps to make sure their work or administration is done through technology like Zoom, etc., without the need to travel out of state or return to Sarawak frequently.
“Certain opening events or simple groundbreaking events can be postponed, especially when it comes to people flying from these red zones,” he said.
He added that federal ministers and deputy ministers based in Kuala Lumpur or Putrajaya can make arrangements for the time being not to return to the state, but allow their team in their constituency to carry out their groundwork for now.
He noted that there was recently a post by an SDMC member asking fellow Sarawak in an outbreak area on the outskirts of Sarawak not to return to Sarawak for the time being.
“This advice should not be just for normal citizens, but for everyone, unless we say that Covid-19 does not affect politicians.
“I think our people will understand that this move is made to protect and prioritize the health concerns of our people. Meanwhile, mere political party meetings in Kuala Lumpur or other high-risk areas should not be considered or classified as ‘essential services,’ ”he said.
Dr. Yii recalled that when returning from a red zone, it is important to take the necessary safety measures and follow standard operating procedures and, as public figures, show an example to others about the importance of such operating procedures and ensure that there without double standards.
“That is why I and other DAP deputies decided to take the initiative to quarantine ourselves the moment we landed in Sarawak after Parliament, even though we were given an ‘exemption’,” he added.
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