SIBU: The police are conducting more stringent checks on those who are coming into the town here to curb the spread of Covid-19.

       Sibu police crime prevention and community safety division chief Deputy Supt Ariffin Baha said stricter standard operating procedures were being imposed for those coming from the southern region, where daily case numbers are high.

       The southern region covers Kuching, Bau, Lundu, Samarahan, Asajaya, Simunjan, Serian and Tebedu.

       "Those from the southern region coming to Sibu need to have three things – a negative PCR Covid-19 test, a police permit and must be fully vaccinated.

       "We are enforcing stricter entry requirements according to the SOP set by the state disaster management committee," he said at the Paradom-Sibu entry point on Monday (Sept 6).

       DSP Ariffin added that those who could not meet the three requirements would be ordered to turn back.

       "Those from places near Sibu, includuing Sarikei and Meradong, only need to show a police permit and their employer's letter at the roadblock," he said, adding that only those providing essential services are allowed to enter Sibu.

       At the Paradom-Sibu entry point, police issued compound notices of RM2,000 each to two men from Kuching.

       DSP Ariffin the men were found to have a police permit which was issued three months before their swab test.

       "According to the procedure, one needs to have a negative Covid-19 swab test before applying for the police permit," he said.