Sabah to include village chiefs in curbing Covid-19 infection

 By Olivia Miwil - May 31, 2021 @ 10:32pm

Sabah Covid-19 spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun (centre) said the state government via the Local Government and Housing Ministry had issued such instructions in accordance with the Rural Administration Ordinance (Sabah Chapter 132). - Photo courtesy of Sabah Local Government and Housing Ministry.
Sabah Covid-19 spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun (centre) said the state government via the Local Government and Housing Ministry had issued such instructions in accordance with the Rural Administration Ordinance (Sabah Chapter 132). - Photo courtesy of Sabah Local Government and Housing Ministry.

KOTA KINABALU: Village chiefs are obligated to be the "eyes and ears" and make reports to local authorities to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Sabah Covid-19 spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the state government via the Local Government and Housing Ministry had issued such instructions in accordance with the Rural Administration Ordinance (Sabah Chapter 132).

He added village heads had to inform respective authorities on the spread of Covid-19, death or if there were any attempts of people flouting the standard operating procedures (SOP).

"They should also control the entry of people from outside the village and have their movements recorded," he said in a statement.

Today, Sabah recorded 207 Covid-19 cases with one death each in Kunak and in Lahad Datu.

The state saw another cluster associated with Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations in Tawau.

The index case for the Milenium cluster is a 43-year-old teacher from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kinabutan who tested positive on May 23.

"After two days, his 16 family members also tested positive for Covid-19," he said, adding the rest were close contacts and workers at a bank.

In a separate statement, Sabah Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong said for the state civil servants, at least 60 per cent had to be at the offices while the remaining would be working from home.

He added ministries, departments, state statutory bodies, state government agencies and local authorities shall operate with full compliance of the standard operating procedures.

"Work scheduling should take into account essential services, welfare, safety and rotation of the staff.

"The use of online applications is mandatory and to minimise the presence of clients at government counters and offices," he said, adding all meetings and trainings should be held virtually.




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