S’wak Deputy Premier warns against complacency amid monkeypox infection in some Asean countries

MIRI (Aug 24): Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan has urged Sarawakians to not be complacent with the development of the monkeypox (mpox) disease situation, which has already been detected in several Asean countries.

He also called on the Health Ministry (MoH) to be vigilant with the spread of the disease to prevent it from entering Sarawak.

“It would be difficult to control this dangerous disease once it enters the state, and early measures must be taken to trace and contain it.

“The health department should take this matter seriously and if possible, identify its source so we can contain it. If the spread of this disease is dangerous and originates from our border, we must limit movement through that border.

“We must take these steps, as it will be very difficult to control once it spreads,” he told reporters after the Temporary Occupation License (TOL) and Land Compensation ceremony for projects in the Lawas District today.

Also present were the Political Secretary to the Premier Awangku Jinak Abedin Dato Pengiran Jawa; Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Executive Secretary Datuk Awang Bujang Awang Antek; Limban Resident Unos Tambi; and the Limbang Division Land and Survey Department Superintendent Bakeri Samsuddin.

A total of 90 recipients received the Resettlement Scheme (SPS) Phase 4; 34 for the Village Expansion Scheme (SPK) Kuala Lawas Phase 1; 37 for SPK Kampung Sundar Phase 1; four for SPK Air Terjun Lawas; and 17 for SPK Lukutan/Karangan/Loagan.

Meanwhile, 22 people received land compensations for the Sarawak/Sabah Border 276KV Transmission Line Project.

Awang Tengah also advised TOL recipients to make full use of the government’s assistance and not take advantage by making easy profits by selling the TOL land.