THE Sarawak government is set to begin distributing 2 million face masks ordered from China, according to Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg.

Prior to handing over the masks to the state Disaster Management Committee, which will handle its distribution, Abang Johari said the masks would be given to more than 520,000 heads of household across the state, adding priority would be given red zones.

There are two red zones in Sarawak to date: Kuching, which has recorded seven deaths and 192 cases, and Samarahan, which has four deaths and 53 infections.

Abang Johari also thanked the 20 or so companies for RM13.9 million in donations for the Sarawak Covid-19 fund.

“This fund will be utilised to finance various operations during the movement control order (MCO),” he said.

Meanwhile, the chief minister said there is nothing to stop Sarawak students, stuck in their respective campuses, returning home if the MCO is extended.

“They can come back.”

However, he said the cost would not be funded by the state government.

Abang Johari had earlier said the students could not make use of the state government fund that provided free tickets home for any two festive celebrations of their choice.

“They have to pay and they have to be quarantined,” he said alluding to the mandatory 14-day quarantine for all Sarawakians upon returning to the state.

The Malaysian Insight earlier today carried a report on parents appealing to Putrajaya to allow their children under lockdown in universities and colleges to return home if the movement-control order (MCO) is extended beyond April 14. – April 9, 2020.