Sarawak welcomes SOP relaxations as crucial for economy and return to normalcy

KUCHING: Sarawak welcomes the standard operating procedure (SOP) relaxations for those who have been fully vaccinated, especially allowing them to travel inter-district and conduct certain sports activities.

Sarawak Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said hotels and homestays were severely affected and forced to close due to the movement control orders (MCOs) where holidays, interstate and inter-district travels were banned.

"We support the reopening of hotels and homestays which will create positive impacts on the state's economy as the workforce can look forward to securing job opportunities since employers (in the tourism industry) are allowed to resume business."

"But, operators must ensure those who enter or stay at their premises have fulfilled the criteria of being fully vaccinated for the safety of everyone," he said in a statement today.

He was commenting on Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's special announcement yesterday on privileges for those who had been fully vaccinated in states that had transitioned out of Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

Muhyiddin also said one would be considered to be fully vaccinated after the 14th day of receiving their second dose. For single dose vaccines, an individual is considered fully vaccinated after the 28th day of receiving their jab.

Karim said the decision to allow dining in was also a respite for the local eateries and restaurants in states that had moved into second or third phase of the NRP.

"This is a good start for our country in moving forward toward when our daily lives have been significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and together we should continue to support the government's efforts in putting the pandemic to an end."

Karim, who is also the state's youth and sports minister, said the relaxation of outdoor recreational and sporting activities would enable the people to participate in healthy activities.

"Even though the relaxation is confined to non-physical contacts sports such as jogging, cycling, skateboarding, fishing, golf, tennis and badminton (single events), it is still good news to the people, especially among the youths who should be encouraged to have active lifestyles."

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