A row of businesses not listed under the MCO’s essential services at Padungan are closed as the MCO starts today. – Photo by Nigel Edgar
KUCHING: All businesses not listed under the movement control order’s (MCO) essential services in the city centre appear to be complying with order to curb the spread of the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) which started today.
A survey by The Borneo Post this afternoon saw many of the shops were closed along Jalan Padungan, with only eateries offering takeaways, sundry shops, pharmacies, Chinese medicine shops and some clinics were opened.
Traffic was also light as some Kuchingnites went to buy essentials or takeaway lunch.
At known busy intersections at Jalan Song, Tabuan Jaya, Simpang Tiga and Jalan Tun Razak (Foochow Road), traffic was still busy this late morning but not as heavy as during normal rush hours.
A quick survey to one of the eateries at Jalan Padungan saw all of the shop’s tables and chairs were stacked up inside the premises, not allowing customers to sit or eat in.
“We only allow ‘tapao’ (takeaway) customers,” said one of the operators.
At times, police patrol cars were seen making their rounds to make sure shop operators abide by the MCO.
Other parts of Kuching however took a while to realise the seriousness of the MCO as several eateries in major residential areas like BDC and Tabuan Jaya this morning were seen still having customers sitting in their premises enjoying their breakfast.
A section of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman near Kuching Waterfront looks almost abandoned this late afternoon as Kuchingites observe the MCO. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
The two-week long MCO, announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, is the first to be implemented in the country under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 and well as the Police Act 1967.
Last night, Chief Minister Datuk Paringgi Abang Johari Tun Openg announced additional measures in Sarawak, stressing that while eateries can continue operating, they cannot have customers dining in.
He said the public are allowed to leave their house only to buy essential goods or for services.
The chief minister warned that action could be taken against people who disobeyed the order.
Malaysia yesterday recorded its first two deaths from Covid-19, including a 60-year-old pastor who died at the Sarawak General Hospital.
As of noon yesterday, there were 673 confirmed cases of Covid-19 in the country.