By Olivia Miwil - October 12, 2020 @ 12:24pm
SEMPORNA: A group of professional divers is volunteering as frontliners to stem the spread of Covid-19 in the state.
Despite being aware of the risks, the Semporna Local Divers Club underwent training recently to carry out disinfection exercises in areas affected by the coronavirus.
The club's deputy chairman Suzimin Edris, 33, said the group was spurred to extend aid after the pandemic adversely affected the tourism industry and consequently, the divers' livelihood.
"I proposed to our members to assist frontliners in breaking the chain of infection so that all of us can return to work.
"Initially, there were members who pulled out because of the risks (of getting infected).
"But they were later convinced by a Health Ministry staff member, who is also a diver, on steps that can minimise risks," he told the New Straits Times.
Semporna has registered the most active Covid-19 cases – 638 – in the state as of yesterday.
The team, which underwent Covid-19 tests and learned the proper way of using personal protective equipment (PPE), was divided into two sessions to disinfect premises where Covid-19 positive patients were detected.
Despite being used to the strenuous activities of diving, Suzimin said the disinfecting task is more challenging due to having to use PPE for hours.
"The job is easy, as we just have to disinfect areas where patients usually go, such as their rooms and toilets.
"But it is tough when we have to work under the hot sun while we are in the PPE. However, it is a small sacrifice compared to the frontliners," he said.
Meanwhile, another non-governmental organisation is also lending a hand in sourcing PPE for frontliners in the district.
Al Falah chairman Ahmad Kamil said to date, they have collected RM15,000 and PPE donated by members of the public in four states to assist medical personnel in Semporna.
"We started the movement when the Targeted Enhanced Movement Control Order was first implemented (here), as we were informed by healthcare workers of a PPE shortage.
"Semporna is not a foreign land for us. If the frontliners are crippled, so are we.
"That is why we came forward to help in any way we could," he said, adding that most of Al Falah's members are teachers from outside the state and have worked in the district.
The Semporna Local Divers Club and Al Falah are among 10 non-governmental organisations working under the Semporna Heroes coalition.
Other organisations are IMARET, Hug project, Kelab Belia Perdana Semporna, Semporna Professional Divers Association, and Ireach Kasih Sabah Jalinan Qaseh Sabah.
Meanwhile, Mercy Malaysia Sabah Chapter chairman Dr Anbarasu Ramalingam said they are looking for volunteers to serve in Covid Response Centres in the state capital, Beaufort and Keningau.
"We are looking for physically-fit medical officers, medical assistant officers and nurses from private practices and other regions that can handle Covid swab tests.
"Please contact Edna at 0193116182 if you are interested."
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