KOTA KINABALU: Sabah minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun has refuted claims that the Health Ministry's decision to lift the 14-day mandatory quarantine for travelers arriving from the state was political in nature.
Masidi, who is the state Covid-19 spokesperson, said he had personally appealed to the federal government to cease the requirement to facilitate essential travels, among others.
"We feel the (Covid-19 cases) have somewhat stabilized or is stabilizing in Sabah, perhaps the 14-day requirement may not be necessarily continued," he said in an online press conference, here, today.
"While we are trying our best to handle the war against Covid-19, there are essential travels that need to be done between Kota Kinabalu or Sabah and Kuala Lumpur. We need to facilitate that travel," he added.
The Local Government and Housing Minister was responding to a question from a reporter on the Health Ministry's announcement, which has received public criticism.
Certain quarters had claimed such was conveniently timed with Keningau member of parliament Datuk Seri Dr Jeffery Kitingan's early release from the Health Ministry.
Jeffrey was under mandatory quarantine from Nov 12 to 25 but he was released earlier and was able to attend Parliament on Nov 24 after health officials declared his health status satisfactory.
Masidi stressed the suggestion to lift the mandatory quarantine was discussed several times during Sabah's National Security Council (NSC) meeting even before Jeffrey's early release.
"I can assure that and I attend the daily meeting. It has nothing to do with a politician," he said, adding the idea to lift the mandatory quarantine has to be utilised with great caution and not be a reflection of complacency.
He noted travellers still need to adhere to the conditions required such as undergoing Covid-19 PCR test three days prior to travelling. - NST
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