Wuhan virus: S'wak to step up control measure at major entry points

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg (right) and villagers from Kampung Temedak in Kuching grating coconut to be eaten with durian at an event in the village. - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE / THE STAR

KUCHING: Sarawak will step up control measures at major entry points into the state following the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak in China.

Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government was making preparations to curb the spread of the virus in Sarawak.

"We will tighten the entry at our airports. We are also concerned about tourists from China visiting Sabah who may go on to Sarawak, so we have to tighten the controls in Miri," he told reporters at a durian-eating event at Kampung Temedak here on Monday (Jan 27).

Abang Johari said the state government was coming up with measures and allocations to tackle the matter.

"We have to prepare ourselves. For example, we need places to quarantine suspected patients," he said.

He also advised Sarawakians to refrain from going to China and to take precautions such as wearing masks and avoiding crowded places.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said more assets and equipment would be placed at the state's entry points to screen passengers.

"A new instrument will be introduced to monitor the movement of every individual entering Sarawak through the main entry points," he said in a statement after chairing a state disaster management committee meeting on the outbreak on Monday (Jan 27).

Uggah also said a holistic action plan to tackle the coronavirus would be announced on Wednesday (Jan 29), following a briefing with the relevant stakeholders on Tuesday (Jan 28).

"The state government takes the Wuhan coronavirus outbreak seriously as it is dangerous and can spread quickly.

"People should seek immediate treatment in hospital if they have a cough or fever," he added.