KOTA KINABALU: Sabah must be brave in defending its decision to relax standard operating procedures (SOPs) and allow dine-ins, says Sepangar MP Datuk Azis Jamman.

       He said that it was important for certain economic sectors to re-open to allow for the economy to restart in stages for the greater wellbeing of the people and the state.

       Defending the state's decision to allow certain sectors of the economy to restart from Tuesday (June 29), the Warisan MP said that the Federal Government must also understand that the Covid-19 pandemic differed from state to state and area to area.

       He said that the Federal Government also must put policies in place that take into account the Covid-19 situation in every state that is progressively showing a decline in cases compared to other states, like Selangor.

       "Today, Sabah has only recorded 178 cases and the figure has been hovering around the same number. It is only right to begin the reopening of the economy, especially as many people are losing jobs and companies are closing," said Azis.

       "I am very sympathetic to the Sabah Chief Minister," he said referring to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri's statement that Sabah should not make announcements on its own SOPs guidelines.

       He said that Sabah's Chief Minister is well aware of the situation in the state, adding that he should defend his decision.

       "It will also weaken the Chief Minister if he does not stand by it," Azis said.

       On Monday (June 28), Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced that dine-ins for restaurants and eateries, barbershops, roadside stalls for vegetables, fish and fruits will be allowed under Phase 1 of the National Recovery Plan in the state beginning Tuesday.

       Non-contact sports such as exercising, golf, fishing and cycling will also be allowed while manufacturing activities such as rubber, cement and paint, furniture and woodwork would be allowed soon.