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King's decision on Batu Sapi is welcomed

Nov 19, 2020

Image: Istana Negara FB

The Sabah Chief Minister has welcomed the Yang DiPertuan Agong’s declaration of a state of emergency in Batu Sapi, which effectively postpones the upcoming by-election for the parliamentary constituency.

Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor says the King's decision was wise, considering the state is still grappling with Covid-19.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry also agrees with the Yang DiPertuan Agong’s decision.

Director-General Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah says it has always been the ministry’s stance to avoid elections if possible, amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister has assured that the emergency will have no effect on the lives of residents in Batu Sapi, with no curfew or military rule.

Economic and social activities will go on as normal, in accordance to the set SOP’s.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin also assured that the by-election there will be held as soon as it is safe to do so.

Better response to Klang Valley cases

A Unified Command Center has been set up to better manage the Covid-19 response in the Klang Valley.

Image: Reuters

It’s a joint effort between the Health Ministry and National Security Council to address the recent spike in cases in KL, Selangor and Putrajaya.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry has also increased bed capacity at the Sungai Buloh and KL Hospital to help cope with the high number of Covid-19 cases in the Klang Valley.

It says the Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital has also been converted into a hybrid Covid-19 facility, while they’ve also opened up eight blocks at the MOH Training Institute in Sungai Buloh as a low-risk quarantine center.

CMCO decision for states soon

A decision could be made tomorrow, whether to lift the CMCO in states where the Covid-19 situation has improved.

The Senior Minister for Security however, explained that any decision will depend on a risk assessment by the Health Ministry.

Currently, Sabah, as well as all states in the peninsular except Perlis, Pahang and Kelantan are under the CMCO.