KUCHING: Sarawakians must continue to observe Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) even as inter-district travel restrictions have been lifted, says Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah.

       He said while people were now free to move around, it was in their best interest to take protective measures.

       "I would strongly advise those planning to return to their villages and longhouses in the interior to take the strictest precautions in doing so.

       "Please do your own testing using the Covid-19 self-test kits now readily available in shops and pharmacies before you set out on the journey.

       "This is the least you can do to protect our grandpas, grandmas, parents, aunties and uncles and the young ones from Covid-19," he said at a thanksgiving prayer ceremony in conjunction with Sarawak Governor Tun Abdul Taib Mahmud's 85th anniversary here on Friday (Oct 8).

       Uggah reminded the public of the need to wear face masks and observe physical distancing.

       People should also avoid close conversations and gathering in groups to socialise, he said.

       On the thanksgiving event organised by the Unit for Other Religions (Unifor), Uggah said it reflected Sarawak's inclusiveness, harmony, stability and progress.

       "I hope Unifor will continue to organise this and other similar events to bring together heads of different religious institutions, for them to enhance and cement ties," he said.

       He added that Unifor, which was set up in 2017, was an agency to promote interfaith dialogue, understanding and cooperation.

       "In many of our faith traditions, the best way to avoid misunderstanding is to do good together, to pray together and to find common objectives together," he said.