COVID: Sarawak tightens inter-zone travel restrictions

KUCHING, April 16 -- Sarawak has decided to tighten travel restrictions after it was discovered that 505 positive COVID-19 cases and eight clusters recorded so far this year were caused by inter-zone movements, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.

Uggah, who is also Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee chairman, said beginning Monday,  inter-zone travel is allowed only for those in essential services and on emergency matters.

"The list for essential services covers public transportation, drivers delivering food and daily essentials, and emergence matters,” he told a press conference on COVID-19 here today.

There are four zones - Kuching comprising Samarahan and Serian; Sibu (Sibu and Sarikei); Bintulu and Miri.

On business operation hours during Ramadan, Uggah said only retail and food businesses are allowed to open until midnight.

"Entertainment centres like bistro and cafe (including karaoke) outlets are allowed to open until 10 pm only,” he added.

Sarawak today registered a record high of daily COVID-19 cases at 960, bringing the cumulative figure to 22,920.

-- BERNAMA