KOTA KINABALU: All staff members of the Sabah Legislative Assembly involved in the meeting this week are required to undergo Covid-19 testing.

       Speaker Datuk Kadzim M Yahya said: “The RTK antigen test is among the standard operating procedures in place to contain the pandemic.”

       The state assembly session will be opened by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin tomorrow, followed by a two-day meeting.

       “Besides a full vaccination requirement for all staff and assemblymen, we have also imposed (Covid-19) screening, which they must do 48 hours prior to the opening.

       “At the same time, based on the Health Ministry’s recommendation, I advise state assemblymen not to stay too long in the hall to prevent the possibility of transmission.

       “This is why we shortened the period of sitting,” he added.

       Kadzim pointed out that dividers had been installed between the seats of assemblymen.

       On attendance, he said so far the state assembly had not received any request for permission to be absent.

       “But we are aware some elected representatives, who are Members of Parliament, are also currently in Parliament,” he said.