Sabah village chief formulates 'drinking' SOP for social gatherings

 By Olivia Miwil - March 18, 2021 @ 11:13am

The new drinking standard operating procedures (SOP) was issued by Kampung Kiulu Baru newly-appointed village chief Aibel Gimpin. - Pic courtesy of Aibel Gimpin.

KENINGAU: A newly-appointed village chief has taken additional measures in formulating standard operating procedures (SOP) for Kampung Kiulu Baru.

Aibel Gimpin, 48, had recently issued a notice on how people should drink during social events which has since gone viral.

He was referring to "Mensiop", which is a traditional way for some Kadazandusun Murut people to share a bamboo straw to drink alcoholic drinks during social events.

"Despite reminders from the Health Ministry and the church on banning such practices due to hygienic reasons, it is still happening.

"Therefore, the village committee decided to outline additional SOPs for the benefit of all although it does not mean that we are encouraging social gatherings," he said, adding that despite warnings, some would still have these drinking sessions.

Among the guidelines include omitting the sharing of straws, glasses and plates for titbits as well as reminding people to use proper toilets and to sanitise their hands.

Apart from that, Aibel who works as a farmer, said he has been actively warning the 250 villagers on the Covid-19 pandemic.

"I even told them not to wander around, especially when there was a village, about five kilometres from ours that was put under quarantine due to a Covid-19 cluster.

"For now, luckily, there are no Covid-19 cases reported in the village. We are hoping it will continue like this if everyone follows the SOPs."

As for his notice that went viral, Aibel said his guidelines are applicable to other villages as some of the communities are also practicing "Mensiop".