Sarawak reopens economy through targeted projects in green zones

Sarawak has adopted a more targeted approach in the reopening of its economy by identifying specific projects for resumption within Covid-19 green zones.

The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC), led by Deputy Chief Minister Douglas Uggah Embas (above), announced that starting May 10, 526 government projects worth RM22.1 billion will resume works.

"The projects were scrutinised and screened by the green zone project committee chaired by the Sarawak state secretary," it said.

An area that has no active Covid-19 cases is referred to as a green zone. Areas with up to 40 Covid-19 cases are yellow zones and areas with more than 40 cases are red zones.

Among the criteria is that a project cannot bring in workers, construction material or machinery from outside the green zones and uses local workers.

Putrajaya had announced the reopening of the country's economy on Monday as the Covid-19 situation improves.

This included almost all businesses as well as allowing some recreational activities.

However, several states have delayed the reopening of the economy.

International Trade and Industry Minister Azmin Ali, who is also the senior minister in charge of economic matters, had said industry players can take legal action if state governments refused to comply with the federal government's move.

Putrajaya's reopening of the economy came ahead of the end of the partial lockdown scheduled on May 12.

As of noon yesterday, Malaysia recorded 6,428 Covid-19 cases with 107 deaths.

A total of 1,609 people are still in treatment, while 4,702 people have recovered. - Mkini