LETTER | Covid-19 and longhouses
Government must be direct and transparent with longhouse residents on lockdowns.
LETTER | I know it is not easy to handle the Covid-19 crisis, and at the same time you are all short of hands, personnel and staff. Because of these limitations, you all need to be more aware and prepared in that sense, especially in the context of the Sarawak community and longhouses. Here are some of the suggestions:
Coordination
Our government agencies and local authority (the lowest administration level) should establish a direct contact to coordinate, especially regarding lockdowns in longhouses and housing areas. Lack of coordination leaves everyone in dismay and confusion, hence coordination must be established. Don't just abandon the lockdown longhouse without proper information and notification.
Each longhouse has the Council and village security and development committee (JKKK). So it's ok to let the JKKK and Council help and assist the community but at the same time, they need enough information to address the lockdown. Utilise us and coordinate with us in an effective manner.
Tool-kit
Create a tool-kit consisting of information, necessary documents (for employers, family members, colleagues and etc.) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) so that no physical contact is needed and no work repetition, once a lockdown is declared and restricted in movement. The tool-kits will be a basic reference.
A lot of people are in a state of confusion. There is no information given, and by the time they walk out, they see their area under a lockdown.
Briefing with honesty
Regardless of whether the government will provide food supply or not, coordination agencies must inform how long and how hard it will be, with or without those supplies, at least people inside the lockdown area will be able to prepare at least mentally and emotionally and understand the duration of the lockdown.
Speed does not mean rushing
We understand government personnel need to act fast, but they should not rush. They must be systematic, open and direct, rather than leaving us uninformed, let us know the steps using the above-mentioned tool-kit.
Hence I'm begging you, the government. It is understandable that you are exhausted and there is a lack of hands, but a year of training and experience should be a platform for improved operations.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.
