SEREMBAN: Only a few heads of government departments and agencies will be allowed to attend the Negri Sembilan state assembly sitting to be held early next month to reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmission, says Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
The Mentri Besar said those allowed to attend the four-day sitting from Sept 3 must also be fully vaccinated.
"The majority will be on standby in their respective offices. We do not want too many people in the hall," he told reporters after chairing the state exco meeting in Wisma Negri on Wednesday (Aug 25).
Aminuddin said those attending the special sitting, including all assemblymen, would be required to undergo a swab test on Aug 31.
"We have been briefed by health officers and shall strictly adhere to the standard operating procedure (SOP).
"We have also fixed the time to start the session, the rest period and the adjournment for the day," he said, adding that to his knowledge, all assemblymen and department heads have completed both doses of the vaccine.
The state assembly, which last met in December, will be opened by Yang di-Pertuan Besar Tuanku Muhriz Tuanku Munawir.
The remaining three days from Sept 6 have been reserved for debates on the Royal Address and the tabling of several Bills.
On another matter, Aminuddin said the state-level Merdeka Day celebrations would be held at the foyer of the state secretariat building but would be limited to fewer than 60 people.
Tuanku Muhriz, he said, is also scheduled to grace the event.
"It will be a brief affair with the singing of Negaraku, followed by members of the state administration taking the oath and pledging our loyalty to Ruler and country," he said.
Separately, Aminuddin said as of Aug 24, 90.1% of those eligible for vaccination in the state have received the first dose and 73.4% their second doses.
"I am also glad to note that the number of cases has dropped.
"But the people should still adhere to SOP so we can move to Phase Three of the National Recovery Plan soon," he said.