SEMPORNA: Despite being far from the mainland, Pulau Mabul residents are keeping a close watch on the Covid-19 pandemic situation and practicing the use of face masks when necessary.
Most islanders lack supply of face masks and depend on resort operators as well as the health department to provide them with the personal protective item.
Pulau Mabul village chief Mohd Amin Ahmad said the islanders are aware of the government's Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) and would wear face masks if they go to the mainland to get daily supplies.
"On the island and within the community, villagers don't wear it but that doesn't mean they are taking the risk of coronavirus infection for granted. Many of us get face masks from resort operators and the health department, whenever we do 'gotong-royong' together.
"Every month, health officials will come to the island to do health inspections and fogging. We are also given gloves," he said when contacted, today.
Mohd Amin said the islanders do not always go to the town, which is about an hour by boat from Pulau Mabul, but when they do, some, if not all, would buy face mask supplies for their families.
He informed that since many villagers were poor and have no proper income, their priority was on getting food supplies and other essentials.
"Although villagers are roaming around freely without face masks, you may see some having them on but that's because they are working with dive resorts that provide them with the masks," he said.
Pulau Mabul is a well-known tourist destination, especially among divers. The island has a population of 3,100.
After almost four months of closure, several dive resorts and lodge operators have resumed businesses since July 1, receiving guests who were mostly locals.
A recent visit to the island saw most of the operating dive resorts and lodges adhering to the SOPs where management staff would request visitors to wear a face mask or provide them with one.
Temperature checks and the use of hand sanitisers were also in place, including reminding guests to practice social distancing whenever necessary.
Sabah Parks staff were also wearing face mask at Bohey Dulang, an island managed by Sabah Parks, known for its leisure hiking activities and amazing view of the Celebes Sea.
The protected island is about 35 minutes by boat from the Semporna mainland.
Although visitors were encouraged to wear face masks, it was not necessary when they hike 700 metres to the hilltop.
At Semporna town, most business premises also require customers to wear face masks prior to entering shops.