KUCHING: Individuals must take responsibility to protect themselves against Covid-19 during the coming Chinese New Year celebration, says Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
The Sarawak Deputy Premier said this was part of learning to live with the virus as Malaysia transitions towards the endemic stage.
"In the last two years, it was the government protecting you with a lot of restrictions.
"Now that we are living with the virus, the responsibility comes back to the individual for self-protection," he told reporters after launching the state Fire and Rescue Department's fire safety campaign for Chinese New Year here on Friday (Jan 13).
Dr Sim was asked whether the state disaster management committee would recommend any standard operating procedures (SOP) for Chinese New Year.
He said self-protection measures included getting a second booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, getting tested if experiencing symptoms and self-isolating if testing positive.
"Those with low immunity should wear masks when going to temples or visiting, and everyone should continue to practise hand hygiene," he added.
Dr Sim also commended the Fire and Rescue Department on the fire safety campaign, saying it was important to remind the public of precautions to prevent fire.
"While we look forward to celebrating Chinese New Year, we want everyone to be safe," he said.
State fire and rescue director Datuk Khirudin Drahman said the department would increase the frequency of night patrols in residential areas three days before and after Chinese New Year as part of the campaign.
"We will increase our presence from midnight to early morning so that we can respond more quickly if we receive a call," he said.
