From left: Yong, Foo, Paul, Lau, Liang, Chin, Liew, Lo, George and Hwong tossing the yee sang at the MCCC Sabah branch Chinese New Year celebration.
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah may isolate itself from the coronavirus, but not at the expense of compromising the exchanges and relations between China and Sabah, said Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Kota Kinabalu, Liang Caide.
He said the consulate acknowledged the State Government and the people’s concern about the coronavirus outbreak, and respected the restrictions imposed on the entry points into Sabah.
“The consulate maintains constant communication and exchange of information with the Health Department, Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry and Immigration Department of Sabah.”
The point is, Liang said, Sabah may want to isolate itself from the coronavirus, but it should not be at the expense of severing the exchanges and ties with China.
“I believe the Sabah Government will undertake comprehensive assessment of the risks and current situation in order to make decisions based on professional, scientific and rational considerations,” he said at the Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce (MCCC) Sabah branch Chinese New Year celebration here yesterday.
On another note, Liang said the coronavirus epidemic is relatively less severe in other countries owing to the decisive and effective measures taken by China.
“As of this afternoon, there are 302 confirmed coronavirus patients reported outside China, which registers 0.8 per cent of the total number of cases, and only one fatality.”
He said the coronavirus could be prevented and controlled, and even curable, with a mortality rate of two per cent, which is far lower than other diseases.
Although the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), he said the committee did not recommend any travel or trade restriction.
Liang continued to say that the international community have reached out to China in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak, including Malaysia, which has donated food, face masks and 18 million surgical gloves to Wuhan.
He was also moved by the support from Sabahans, adding that the local Chinese community had contributed face masks and various prevention materials to China.
“A Datin has even donated RM100,000 anonymously to the Red Cross Society of China. I am truly touched by their compassion.”
Meanwhile, Liang said Deputy Chief Minister cum Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew informed him yesterday that Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Shafie Apdal had proposed that the State Government organized a fundraiser to support China’s effort in battling the coronavirus outbreak.
“This reflects the spirit of helping each other between the governments and people of Sabah and China, as well as the willingness of Sabah to stand with China through thick and thin.
“We are grateful for the selfless assistance provided by the Malaysia and Sabah governments and people to China in times of adversity,” he said.
On the other hand, MCCC Sabah branch president Michael Chin said the sudden outbreak of the coronavirus had caught the people off-guard and cast a shadow over the Chinese New Year celebrations this year.
“During this arduous time, China has shown great leadership, wisdom, tenacity and perseverance in taking effective measures to contain and control the virus,” he said, adding that he hoped the epidemic would come to an end soon.
He called on the chamber’s advisors, committee and members to render their assistance to Wuhan.
Chin also said that the MCCC Sabah branch would continue to foster closer relations between Malaysia and China.
“We hope to propel the good relations between Malaysia and China to greater heights.”
Also present were Vice Consul General, Wu Xiaoqing, Sabah China Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) president Datuk Frankie Liew, Small and Medium Enterprise Association of Sabah (SME Sabah) president Foo Ngee Kee, MCCC Sabah branch life honorary advisor Datuk Lau Kok Sing, Tan Sri Joseph Lo, Tan Sri Paul Lim, Dato’ Dr Wilson Yong, Datuk James Hwong and Datuk George Lim.