ONLY one representative from each media organisation is allowed to cover the Sarawak state assembly sitting, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection.

Head of Communication Management Section of the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) Samuel Simon said the decision was made following the state government’s move to limit the number of attendees at its social and official functions to only half of the original capacity.

“However, for broadcast media, two personnel, comprising a journalist and a cameraman (are allowed). All present will be required to check their temperature, use hand sanitiser, wear face masks and exercise physical distancing,” he said at a media briefing on the matter today, which was also attended by the Sarawak State Assembly secretary Pele Peter Tinggom.

The media members, he said, would, however, not be required to go for Covid-19 screening, unlike state assembly members and other personnel who would be required to be in the hall.

“The movement of media personnel is limited to the lobby and media room (of the building) only,” he added.

Meanwhile, a few Sarawak assemblymen were seen going for the drive-through Covid-19 screening held at the compound of the state assembly building.

They included Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah (Asajaya), Fatimah Abdullah (Dalat), Roland Sagah Wee Inn (Tarat) and Abdul Yakub Arbi (Balingiah).

Yesterday, state assembly speaker Mohamad Asfia Awang Nassar said all members of the house, members of the cabinet and those who enter the chambers, including the Speaker, must take a swab test.

He said the state assembly building would also be disinfected and sanitised a day before and after the sitting with transparent barriers to be set between assembly members at their seats.

The Sarawak state assembly will sit for five days from Nov 9 to 13. – Bernama, November 6, 2020.