Sarawak records 156 new Covid-19 cases, mostly in Sibu

KUCHING: Sarawak reported 156 new Covid-19 cases on Tuesday (Jan 19), with the bulk continuing to come from Sibu.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah said 65 cases were recorded in Sibu, including 33 linked to the Pasai cluster which stemmed from a funeral at a longhouse in Pasai Siong, from Dec 29 to 31.

Other districts which reported new cases were Miri with 28, Kanowit (24), Beluru (15), Sarikei (10), Sebauh (three), Kuching, Bintulu, Subis (all two each), and Dalat, Belaga, Meradong, Samarahan and Daro (all one each).

The state's tally of confirmed cases now stands at 2,367.

Uggah also said the state Health Department has identified a new cluster in Miri dubbed the Rakut cluster.

He said the index case was detected on Jan 12 after being screened as a Covid-19 contact.

"Following active contact tracing of the index case, nine other cases have been detected, including six new cases today.

"To date, 33 individuals have been screened with 10 positive cases, including the index case, seven negative and 16 waiting for results," he said at the state disaster management committee's briefing here on Tuesday.

Uggah also said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had approved RM81mil for the committee's operations to contain Covid-19 from January to June this year.

He said the funds would be used to set up a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) lab in Kapit, provide more quarantine centres and facilitate community policing and border security.

"This is to ensure that the committee is equipped with providing the best service to the people.

"But funds alone are not enough. Once again, I appeal to the public to cooperate with us in our efforts to flatten the Covid-19 curve," he said.