File photo for illustration purposes

KUCHING: The State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has decided to allow open house visits during the coming Hari Raya and Gawai celebrations but for only one day in line with the federal government’s announcement earlier.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, who is the chairman of the committee, said celebrants are also required to limit their visitors to only 20 people and they must only be close family members.

“The state government apologises to all Sarawakians celebrating Hari Raya and Gawai because we have to enforce some restrictions. This is a tough time and therefore we hope everybody is prepared to make some more sacrifices.

“We have made a lot of sacrifices in the past. It is worth it and we hope we can win the battle against Covid-19,” he said during a daily SDMC press conference on Covid-19 here today.

Earlier, Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced in Putrajaya that those who wish to go visiting during the coming Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Kaamatan and Gawai celebrations will only be allowed to do so on the first day of each festivity.

He said visiting will only be allowed on the first day of the celebration such as Hari Raya Aidilfitri and it is only limited to immediate family members.

“It has also been decided that the gathering cannot be more than 20 people in one day,” said Ismail Sabri.

He pointed out that though the government has allowed for visitations during these festive occasions, but at the end of the day, the people must take into account what is best for themselves.

“When we introduced the Movement Control Order (MCO) and then the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), one of the reasons was so that we can avoid large gatherings.

“Even though the CMCO is now more relaxed and the government has given permission for people to celebrate Hari Raya, we must also take the initiative to avoid meeting people in large groups if possible,” he said.

Ismail Sabri added that organising open houses is prohibited under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).