PETALING JAYA: Fearing a high risk of Covid-19 infection, residents living within and surrounding the targeted enhanced movement control order (MCO) area of Kuala Sanglang, Perlis, are taking extra precautions by staying home and avoiding nearby shops.
The positive Covid-19 cases in Perlis stemmed from a loyal customer of the restaurant belonging to the Sivagangga cluster index case, with the virus later spreading to 10 other family members in the state.
The targeted enhanced MCO has been enforced in two villages in Kuala Sanglang, namely Kampung Kuala Sanglang and Kampung Tanah Timbul, for 28 days from 10pm Saturday until Sept 4.
A resident of Kampung Kuala Sanglang who only wanted to be known as Huat said he was tested for Covid-19 yesterday at a nearby clinic, along with many others in the village.
“We are relieved to have undergone the Covid-19 test so we know our status and can get further treatment if needed.
“All the roads to the area have been blocked by the police since 10pm yesterday (Saturday), so no outsiders are allowed in, ” said the 55-year-old.
Huat also said the school where his two children attend are also closed for the time being.
Two schools in Sanglang district have been closed for a week beginning today.
For other schools which are still open, parents who are worried about their children’s safety are permitted to opt not to send them.
“All the shops in the area are closed and since it is only the first day, we have yet to be informed how we will get food supplies, ” he said when contacted yesterday.
A 39-year-old woman, who only wanted to be known as Nur Ain, said her area in Kampung Sanglang which is located at the border with Kedah, has yet to be placed under the targeted enhanced MCO, but residents have been asked to get screened and tested for Covid-19.
“About 50 residents from the area have been asked to get screened for Covid-19 yesterday due to potential close contact to positive Covid-19 cases, ” she said.
Kampung Sanglang is located on the Kedah-Perlis border, and while two villages within Perlis have been closed down, others on the Kedah border have yet to receive such instruction.
Chew Show Heon, 41, who lives in Kampung Sanglang and tutors students from Kampung Kuala Sanglang, said he closed his tuition centre due to fear of the virus’ spread.
“My child still goes to school at SMK Ayer Hitam, which is 8km from the area, but only 20% to 30% of the children are still going to school, ” he said.
“He is in Form One. His class has 30 students but now only six or seven of them come to school.”
He said that he would drive out from the district to Alor Setar to buy food supplies and essential items as an added precaution for him and his family.
Chew said although his house was not within the closed area, he and his family remained at home most of the time to reduce the risk of infection.
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