SDMC apologises for technical problems leading to overcrowding at Stadium Perpaduan PPV

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A view of the overcrowding situation at the Stadium Perpaduan PPV. — Photo by Roystein Emmor

KUCHING (June 14): The overcrowding that occurred at the Covid-19 vaccination centre located at Stadium Perpaduan, Petra Jaya today was due to technical problems, including temporary electricity supply disruption, said the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).

SDMC said that they were paying serious attention to the matter and have identified the root cause of the problem.

“We have also resolved the existing system weaknesses and immediate mitigation measures have been taken. The overcrowding that happened at the Stadium Perpaduan were due to technical problems that were unavoidable, including temporary electricity supply disruption,” said the committee in a statement.

Thus, the committee apologised to the public for the inconvenience caused at the vaccination centre and it stressed the cooperation and support from the public were crucial for the success of the vaccination programme.

On a related matter, the committee also appealed to the public to only arrive at the Covid-19 vaccination centre at the appointment time stated in the MySejahtera mobile app to avoid overcrowding at the venue.

Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) stated today that the electricity supply disruption had been caused by an internal wiring fault at one of the sub-circuits at the stadium’s foyer.

The issue was quickly rectified by the stadium’s technicians and electricity supply was safely restored.

However, SEB recommended that all required wiring extensions to accommodate Covid-19 vaccination centre operations are done following electrical safety standards to avoid any safety hazards and unnecessary electrical tripping.

“Sarawak Energy remains on high alert for quick restoration in the event of any system supply interruptions and will provide any necessary support to the authorities handling the rollout of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme in Sarawak,” said SEB.

SEB also said that they remain in close communication with the Health Ministry regarding the need to ensure reliable electricity supply for the cold storage of vaccines at 60 health facilities throughout the state.

“Most facilities are equipped with backup generator sets and for the ones without, technical teams are placed on 24-hour standby for deployment of technical support and quick restoration in the event of a supply interruption.

“Technical support coordination at the various regions will be handled by the respective Regional Managers,” said SEB.

As of June 13, the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas) said that there are currently 71 vaccination centres statewide and 62.7 per cent of the state’s population, or 1,320,513 individuals, have registered for the vaccination programme.

From the total number of people registered, UKAS said 15.68 per cent or 324,913 people have been vaccinated.