Sabahans who attended Sri Petaling 'tabligh' gathering sought

By Olivia Miwil - March 12, 2020 @ 5:08pm

KOTA KINABALU: The state government has instructed the relevant authorities to locate those who attended a “tabligh” mass gathering in Sri Petaling, Selangor two weeks ago in an effort to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Sabah.

This comes after it was reported that half of the 10,000 people who attended the gathering between Feb 28 and March 1 were Malaysians, including those from Sabah.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said the state government is on alert of the situation and has designated medical professionals to handle the matter at hospitals should there be any positive Covid-19 cases.

"I have informed the deputy police commissioner and chief secretary to take care and prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

"We will ensure that those (who are suspected with Covid-19) will be quarantined and necessary templates (for precautions) and procedures will be taken."

Shafie urged Sabahans to refrain from attending mass gatherings and avoid unnecessary travel.

Meanwhile, Sabah Health director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi told Chinese dailies here that there were more than 1,000 people from Sabah who had attended the tabligh mass gathering in Selangor.

“The authority is focusing more on dealing with the health issues which include tracing and screening the people.

“As it is a religious meeting, we do not want it to become an issue and to create panic,” she said at a separate event, at Queen Elizabeth Hospital here today.

Dr Christina said initial checks revealed “the bigger picture” on those who attended the Selangor event.

“It is not just the 350 people from Tawau as reported. It is bigger (more) than that.

“We are following procedures under the Health Ministry to tackle the issue, including tracing them (participants),” she said, adding that those involved in the gathering should inform authorities of their health status and practice self-quarantine.

Dr Christina added that the state Health Department has the necessary manpower to cope with the situation should there be a sudden surge of positive Covid-19 cases in Sabah.