Deputy Premier urges vigilance against Covid-19 as cases resurge with subvariants detected in S’wak

File photo for illustration purposes

KUCHING, Dec 31: Continue to be vigilant against the Covid-19 virus, particularly among the elderly, children, and those with comorbidities, advised Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Uggah, who is also the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, stressed that there were indications of cases resurging, with the HK.3 and the JN.1 subvariants now detected in the State.

“During Epidemiology Week 51 (Dec 17-Dec 23), we had 942 cases, an increase of 311 or 49.29 per cent. In the previous Epidemiology week, we had 631. New deaths were reported in Epidemiology Week 51, comprising three cases in Kuching and one case in Miri, to bring the toll to 13 since this year.

“Therefore, the public is advised to follow the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health of Malaysia (KKM).

“Stop the infection and transmission. Let us watch out for each other,” he said in his New Year message.

On another note, the Deputy Premier highlighted that 2023 has been a very successful year for the State as its unity, resilience, perseverance, and political stability have allowed the State government to function uninterrupted and at full steam ahead.

“It was a year of trailblazing innovations in the green economy for us. It was also a year of outstanding financial performance. Our Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg recently announced that our State revenue had reached RM13.1 billion for 2023, the highest ever.

“With this record-breaking income, Sarawak is on the path to more great things ahead.

“We may have the resources, but it takes brave, innovative, and visionary leadership to take us where we are now without sacrificing our sustainability or environment,” Uggah remarked. — DayakDaily