10km radius rule impractical for Sarawak's agriculture sector, says DCM

 

Sarawak Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said fisheries, livestock, plantations and commodities were allowed to continue to operate with strict compliance with all guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). -NSTP File Pix

KUCHING: There is no need for the agriculture sector in Sarawak to obtain the Covid-19 Intelligent Management System (CIMS) 3.0 approval letter to operate during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.

Sarawak Disaster Management Committee chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said fisheries, livestock, plantations and commodities were allowed to continue to operate with strict compliance with all guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).

He said this in response to a statement issued by the federal government which said only those in such sectors that had obtained the approval could operate from June 6 onward.

The statement also said smallholders were exempted if they operate within a 10km radius.

Uggah, also the Deputy Chief Minister said Sarawak had many smallholders in its interior areas, hence, the 10km ruling was impractical.

"With the MCO in place, inter-district travel is now restricted.

"Those in the remote areas will have to travel to the nearest town to obtain such a permit – which will cost them extra expenses and time," he said in a statement. - NST