PETALING JAYA: Selangau MP Baru Bian will miss the opening of the Dewan Rakyat this Monday (Sept 13) after testing positive for Covid-19.

       The former Works Minister from Sarawak was scheduled to fly from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur on Sunday (Sept 12) but could not do so as he is currently under quarantine.

       "I tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday (Sept 10) night, when I underwent the mandatory RT-PCR test three days before the Parliament sitting," he said in a statement on Sunday (Sept 12).

       Bian added that he will undergo quarantine until Sept 21.

       Although stricken by the virus, the Sarawakian lawmaker credited having being vaccinated as the reason why he did not fall seriously ill.

       "I am experiencing mild flu-like symptoms and had a slight fever on Friday (Sept 10) which subsided overnight. I believe the vaccinations which I received some months ago have prevented a serious illness requiring hospitalisation," he said

       He urged those who have not been vaccinated to do so.

       "It could save your life," he added.

       The first meeting of the fourth session of Parliament is scheduled to sit for 17 days, begin this Sept 13 till Oct 12.

       The meeting will see the King opening Parliament and delivering the Royal Address.

       All lawmakers, personnel and media representatives covering Dewan Rakyat are required to under mandatory RT-PCR test three days before Parliament sitting.

       Baru was from PKR but resigned to become an independent last year.

       He later joined Parti Sarawak Bersatu (PSB) which is aligned to the Opposition coalition.