Face-to-face campaigning for Sarawak polls given okay in low internet access areas

Face-to-face campaigning through talks and lectures for the upcoming Sarawak election will only be allowed in 64 areas identified as having low internet access.

According to the official SOPs for the polls, these areas comprise: Omar, Tasik Biru, Tanjong Datu, Asajaya, Muara Tuang, Stakan, Serembu, Mambong, Tarat, Tebedu, Kedup, Bukit Semuja, Sadong Jaya, Simunjan, Gedong, Sebuyau, Lingga, Beting Maro, Balai Ringin, Bukit Begunan, Simanggang, Engkilili, Batang Ai, Saribas, Layar, Bukit Saban, Kalaka, Krian, Kabong, Kuala Rajang, Semop, Daro, Jemoreng, Repok, Meradong, Pakan, Meluan, Ngemah, Machan, Dudong, Bawang Assan, Dalat, Tellian, Balingian, Tamin, Kakus, Pelagus, Katibas, Bukit Goram, Baleh, Belaga, Murum, Jepak, Kemena, Samalaju, Bekenu, Lambir, Marudi, Telang Usan, Mulu, Bukit Kota, Batu Danau, Ba’Kelalan and Bukit Sari.

Party organisers, secretaries, candidates and speakers must take Covid-19 RTK Ag self-tests before the event, and only vaccinated individuals will be allowed to attend.

Attendance meanwhile will be limited to 50% of the premise capacity or a maximum of 150 people at any given time.

Only residents who stay in the village or longhouse are allowed to attend, with the responsibility on candidates and parties to ensure that outsiders are not involved.

Physical distancing must be observed at all times, along with other mandatory health measures such as the wearing of face masks, temperature checks and the scanning of QR codes or manual check-ins.

Each talk or session must be capped at two hours and cannot continue later than 10pm.

Lectures or talks are prohibited at open or public areas, along with any form of entertainment during the campaign while any food must be pre-packed.

The Sarawak election take place on Dec 18. Nomination day will be held on Dec 6, with 12 days of campaigning to follow.