Abang Johari speaking at a press conference at Wisma Bapa Malaysia. – Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi.
KUCHING: The state government is working on importing face masks directly from China without going through Kuala Lumpur to ensure supplies get to the state quicker.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg told reporters that currently a shipment of face masks from China is still stuck at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), from the Chinese government to help Sarawak in facing the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) infection.
“What the state government is doing now is, we are exploring the idea of getting the masks directly to Kuching from China,” he said after chairing the State Disaster Management Committee Meeting at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here this morning.
Abang Johari also assured that supplies of essential items in the state are enough.
Meanwhile, he also urged the public not to spread unverified and fake news especially on social media regarding Covid-19.
“Perpetrators are subject to severe penalty according to the existing laws,” he said.
Abang Johari last Sunday in a press conference said spreading unverified or fake news on Covid-19 can be fined up to RM50,000 or jailed for up to two years or both.
Those found guilty of that offence are also liable to a further fine of RM1,000 for every day during which the offence is continued after conviction, he added.
“The committee is advising the public to stop spreading fake or unverified news on the social media or social messenger platforms.
“The police and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will not hesitate to act against those found responsible for doing so,” said Abang Johari.
He said action will be taken against suspects under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998.