KOTA KINABALU: The people must continue to comply with the Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) despite the relaxing of the economic sector and social activities.
Sabah's governor Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, in cautioning the people in the state, said the pandemic has shown no signs of ending and would remained in the community.
"Therefore, we have the responsibility to protect ourselves, families and others in curbing the spread of the virus.
"For those who have not received the vaccine, do so immediately through the outreach programmes or at the vaccination centres," he said in a special message in conjunction with his 68th official birthday today.
A dinner banquet will be held tonight at the Sabah International Convention Centre for the dignitaries honouring the head of state.
He said the government has carried out various measures to contain the virus, including ramping up the immunisation programmes and implement the national recovery plan to reopen the economic sectors.
He said the economic and social development programmes implemented by the government needs to be supported by the people as it has given impact to the state.
He called on the people to stay united and continue to work on reviving the state's economy as unity is the cornerstone to success, furthermore unity is also the hallmark and pride of the state.
Since the Covid-19 outbreak, he said the people have turned to innovation of digital technology, which has become a new norm and made their lives easier in conducting meetings, transaction, learning and work from home, among others.
"The cultivating of technology and new cultural practices must continue to be promoted among the people," he said.
He said the economic challenges at the global and national levels demand the mastery of new skills in order to be efficient in managing governance.
Juhar said the initiatives taken by the Sabah government to develop skill and innovative human capital was timely as the state continues to thrive.
He also expressed appreciation to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and his Cabinet members for implementing a comprehensive development plan through the Sabah Maju Jaya Roadmap 2021-2025.
Juhar said the close relationship between the state and federal governments will also enable the implementation of development programmes to be facilitated smoothly.
"I also appreciate the government's concern in providing various assistance packages to the people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"As a state blessed with a wealth of natural resources, as well as the strength of unity and harmony, the state is on the right track to progress rapidly through an effective leadership that cares for the people," he said.
A total of 1,282 people were honoured in conjunction of his birthday of which seven including former prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's wife Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman and the chief secretary to the government Tan Seri Mohd Zuki Ali received the state's highest award, the Seri Panglima Darjah Kinabalu (SPDK).