ISKANDAR PUTERI: The Fourth Session of the Johor State Assembly, which opened yesterday, has been put off to Aug 22 to enable a review of the SOP for Covid-19.

       Speaker Suhaizan Kayat announced this following Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar’s decree in his opening address.

       “As advised by His Majesty and in accordance with the assessment made by the Johor Health Department, the session is postponed,” he said.

       In his address, the Johor Ruler remarked that this was the second time that the state assembly was being convened as the Covid-19 pandemic raged.

       “Johor still records a very high number of cases and daily deaths, which has worsened compared to last year. This situation is very concerning to me.

       “In addition, there is a new variant that infects and spreads easily, causing many deaths. The people are advised to be more careful, reduce outside movements and always take preventive measures recommended by the government,” His Majesty added.

       Sultan Ibrahim said the state assembly should be convened with care.

       “Make sure everyone attends according to the SOP set. Health risk assessments should be done daily and if there is a high-risk threat, I ask the Speaker to adjourn this meeting,” His Majesty added.

       Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad said the postponement of the Fourth Session of the 14th State Assembly was necessary to avoid a health issue involving assemblymen.