Sabah Governor reminds people to stay vigilant against Covid-19 during festive season

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin (pic) has urged the people to remain vigilant against the spread of Covid-19 as they celebrate Christmas and New Year.

He said everyone should follow standard operating procedures as it was important for the state's economic recovery to continue as Sabah moved into Phase Four of the National Recovery Plan (NRP) in November.

With the opening of all sectors, Juhar said it was important for people to prioritise their health and safety whether at home or in public as they celebrate the year-end festivities.

"The Christmas open house is a tradition practised by Malaysians for a long time. This tradition helps strengthen the bond of friendship and unity among various communities in Sabah.

"However, this time with the Covid-19 threat still remaining, we need to abide by whatever SOPs are recommended by the authorities," Juhar said in his Christmas and New Year message on Friday (Dec 24).

He also praised frontliners for their sacrifices in facing the Covid-19 pandemic.

He said their commitment, efficiency and efforts in tackling the spread of Covid-19 in the state helped Sabah progress through the phases of the NRP.

He said it was the tireless efforts of Sabah Health Department personnel, police, immigration, Armed Forces, Eastern Sabah Security Command, Customs, Rela, local authorities as well as the state disaster management committee among others that played a crucial role in checking the spread of the coronavirus.

Sabah marks Christmas with a two-day holiday from Friday.

The state has allowed Christmas open house visiting under strict SOPs.