COVID-19 pandemic in Sarawak
Sarawak DAP chairman Chong Chieng Jen directed all party members and lawmakers who had close contact with the Sarikei MP in the last 14 days to self-quarantine for two weeks.
'enterSarawak' – is a mobile and web-based system integrated into i-Alerts that allows SDMC to have complete control as well as monitor the comings and goings of the people in Sarawak.
This includes short term entry into the state for transit passengers, flight crew, freight and shipping personnel as well as essential services staff.
4 of the cases are among the cluster who attended a religious gathering at Sri Petaling Mosque in Kuala Lumpur on 28 February to 1 March.
Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) has come up with a tracking device to be used by those under home quarantine which will be attached to their wrists and a digital mapping method would also be used to identify hotspots of COVID-19 infections to prevent its spread.
[18] On 21 March, Sarawak's National Safety Council branch had identified seven hot spots related to the pandemic, which are Kuching, Serian, Betong, Sarikei, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang.
[23] Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announced RM1.15 billion special aid package to reduce COVID-19 impact on the state.
7 of them have been traced to having close contacts with three family members who died from the virus due to an imported case from Italy, 4 from the Good News Fellowship Church in Kuching and the other four to the religious gathering at Sri Petaling Mosque in Kuala Lumpur.
Among the several control measures imposed are:[170] On 18 March, The Sarawak government has advised all government offices (except essential services), business premises (except business premises dealing with daily essentials) and factories (except those in Samalaju, Hi-Tech Samajaya, and plywood factories which are allowed to operate with minimum staffs) will be closed.
[173] On 25 March, State Disaster Management Committee in a meeting agreed to allow pet shops and veterinary clinics to operate business throughout Movement Control Order (MCO) period from 7AM to 7PM with immediate effect.
[26] On 26 March, Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has issued directives to ensures there is continuous supply of food:[27] On 29 March, Sarawak has imposed a ban on inter-district travel, and those with valid reasons for travelling must obtain permits from the district office.
Telecommunication companies such as Celcom, Digi, Maxis and U Mobile and their dealers are allowed to reopen their business operations on Wednesday and Friday from 10AM - 4PM (UTC+8) with only 3 workers maximum at any given time as they are considered as providing essential services to the public.
[179] On 2 May, Sarawak has decided not to implement the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) that will allow the reopening of certain economic activities and sectors this May 4 as announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
[180] Source:[181] On 9 May, Sarawak will allow various economic activities to reopen on May 12 with strict compliance to standard operating procedures (SOP).
[191] On 24 July, Inter-division travel between Kuching and Kota Samarahan are discouraged due to sudden increase in positive cases in the area, except those on official duty, essential services worker and dealing with matters related to death of close family members, sick relative or to seek medical attention.
On 18 September, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) announced that baby spas, horse racing and Sport and Recreational Centres under the jurisdiction of Kuching South City Hall are allowed to operate subjected to the SOP outlined by Ministry of Local Government and Housing (MLGH).
On 5 October, all IPTA/IPTS students from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Labuan who have registered at IPTA/IPTS in Sarawak must undergo COVID-19 screening at nearest Health Clinics.
On 12 November, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) announced that Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO) at Kampung Haji Baki has ended.
[36] On 5 April, State Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said all foreigners were now banned from transiting in Sarawak, whether by air, sea or land.
[207] On 1 July, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah announced that foreigners who had been staying continuously in Malaysia for 30 days would be allowed to enter Sarawak without having to undergo quarantine.
[190] On 26 July, Malaysians from Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Labuan are required to quarantine in designated hotel for 14 days upon arrival into Sarawak effective on 1 August.
All Malaysian citizens (including Sarawakians) who enter Sarawak from West Malaysia, Sabah and Labuan are allowed in without having to undergo quarantine.
Kids Recreational Centre located at shopping malls or closed-concept ones are allowed to resume operation starting 1 September 2020.
Malaysian citizens that travel from Penang will undergo random COVID-19 test upon arrival, and Sarawakians returning from overseas will be quarantined at first point of entry in Sarawak and are not allowed to transit to their final destination.
[213] On 5 April, Sarawak government announced that Ramadhan and Gawai Bazaar will be canceled in the state to ensure the safety of Sarawakians.
On 12 January, Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) announced that Chinese New Year celebration in the state are only permitted for the first day with attendance limited to 20 persons at a time and only for close family members only.
[221] Sarawakians are advised to download i-Alerts on their mobile devices not just to be kept in the loop of the COVID-19 situation, but to also play an active role in helping to contain the spread of the disease.
[228] On 25 March, Leading medical/healthcare beds, peripherals and accessories provider LKL International Bhd (LKL International) will supply RM6.6 million worth of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the Sarawak state government for onward distribution to public hospitals under the Sarawak State Health Department and the frontline healthcare personnel in their battle against COVID-19.
[230] Food aids are generally distributed via political parties affiliated with the government with number of beneficiaries and amount of spending publicised.
[231] On 23 March, Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg announced RM1.15 billion Sarawakku Sayang special aid package including 16 measures to reduce COVID-19 impact on the state:[24] On 30 March, Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has announced an additional RM16.4 million to the RM1.15 billion Sarawakku Sayang special aid package in food assistance for the poor in rural and urban areas to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
