TAWAU: Security control along the district’s border has been tightened to prevent an influx of illegal immigrants who pose the risk of a new Covid-19 cluster.
Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) President Datuk Amrullah Kamal said all rivers and “rat trails” frequented by illegals have been identified.
He said boat riders have also been warned against assisting the illegal entry of foreigners.
“This is the only way to beef up control in order to avoid new virus clusters. We are concerned about a possible desertion but this is necessary to curb the spread of Covid-19,” he said when commenting on the recent declaration of Tawau as a Covid-19 green zone.
According to Amrullah, there are no longer active Covid-19 cases at the Tawau Hospital, which showed the health officials have succeeded in curbing the virus in the district.
“Those quarantined at Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Tawau are illegals who have been sent there after getting caught trying to enter the district.
“It is understood that on Wednesday there were 22 people but today (Thursday) it has decreased to six,” he said.
On Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal’s announcement of more premises to be allowed to resume operations, Amrullah said the Council has prepared for it.
He said compliance with the Malaysian Health Ministry’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) must be taken seriously when operations resume.
He added that the congregation at Al Khautar Mosque for Friday prayers is expected to increase this week compared to two weeks ago with a limit of 40 people.
Meanwhile, Amrullah visited 129 fire victims, including six babies, at the Habib Abdul Rahman Mosque’s open hall.
The victims’ homes caught fire on Wednesday afternoon, where nine houses were razed to the ground and seven houses were partially destroyed.
He said various parties provided assistance in the form face masks, antiseptics, dry food and clothing to ease the burden of the victims.
Amrullah also urged victims who are not registered with the Social Welfare Department (JKM) to do so.
