A few non-essentials shops are still open while the majority are closed.
SIBU: Chairman of Sibu Municipal Council Council, Clarence Ting, is upset that certain non-essential services businesses are not heeding the directive of Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) at the start of Movement Control Order (MCO) yesterday due to rising number of Covid-19 positive cases here.
He went to the Central Business District (CBD) yesterday and what he saw saddened him.
“It is not disappointment, but one of sadness. So many people have asked the government to impose a lockdown due to the high number of positive cases.
“So when SDMC listens and acts, these same people disregard the order and compromise their own safety and that of their staff, opting to expose themselves to the dangers of Covid-19 spread.
“This lack of empathy is indeed sad,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Ting said he started walking from Tunku Osman area towards Jalan Kpg Nyabor, to Central Road, down to Jalan Takang, to Pasar Malam area, up Jalan Market and Lebuh Tinggi, then to Jalan Channel, and back again to Jalan Sanyan. About 10 per cent of the shops were open.
“But at Pasar Malam area in Jalan Market, almost 100 per cent of shops are open, and many of them are providing non-essential services.
“Then I met DSP Ariffin Bahar in front of Sibu Central Market and informed him. l also met several SMC enforcement officers there,” he said.
He said yesterday being the first day of MCO, the police could only warn the errant traders. Stern action would be taken the next time they do it.
Ting, meanwhile, lauded eateries he came across which were only doing takeaways.
“I didn’t even see one shop that has chairs and tables set up. I thank them for their cooperation,” he added.
He advised all companies in non-essential sector to close during this MCO while Covid-19 is still out there.
“For now, think about the safety of yourselves and your employees. Take care of them,” Ting said.