Covid-19: No need for full lockdown in Sabah, says Masidi

KOTA KINABALU: The Covid-19 situation in Sabah, despite being serious, does not warrant a full lockdown yet, says state Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

Masidi, who is tasked to oversee Covid-19 matters in Sabah, however said the state government is open to any suggestions that will see the flattening of the curve.

“The National Security Council will consider all existing options, taking into consideration the spread of the virus here and in the country.

“At this point, we are not at that stage yet. But that is an option that can be considered in future, so we can get cases reduced and the pandemic under control, ” he said when asked on the possibility of a lockdown in the state on Monday (Oct 19).

Masidi, however, reiterated that any decision must be made carefully as it will also have high implications.

“It is not just looking at Covid-19, we need to take account of our economy, which has not recovered since the first movement control order (MCO) in March.

“Secondly, we have to take into account that not everyone has a fixed salary and there are those whose daily income comes from businesses as a way to support their families, ” he said.

Sabah recorded 643 new cases today, with three fatalities.

On the backlog of sample results, Masidi said he was informed the Health Ministry has appointed private medical institutions to help with processing test samples which will assist in expediting new and old cases.

“I believe in the next few days, we can get the real picture in Sabah once the backlogs are done, ” he added.

Meanwhile, Masidi said the state has also come up with standard operating procedures (SOPs) for activities under two state ministries, namely his and the Public Works Ministry.

The SOPs include a health protocol for markets that are open from 6am to 2pm with 50% worker capacity.

It also includes premises such as malls, departmental stores, retail shops, workshops, and salons (for only basic hair cutting and hair wash services), which are allowed to operate from 6am to 6pm with half capacity of staff.

The SOPs for other state ministries will be shared later, he said.

Masidi also said that sports and recreational activities are still not allowed in Sabah.

On another development, he said the Sabah government is considering to expand the food basket programme to other groups in need.

“This will be announced in coming sessions, ” he added.

At present, the food baskets are being distributed to those in targeted enhanced MCO zones, as well as families undergoing quarantine during the conditional MCO.

“I also want to assure the people that we have sufficient food supply in Sabah, there is no need for panic buying, ” said Masidi.