We’re helping a friend in need: Sarawak oxygen for Indonesia

Masing speaking to the press at the ceremony at ICQS Tebedu.

KUCHING: In a show of international solidarity against Covid-19, the Sarawak government today sent 105 tonnes of oxygen to West Kalimantan, Indonesia.

In revealing this, Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing said Sarawak and Malaysia would help the neighbouring region amid the debilitating surge of Covid-19 due to the Delta Covid-19 variant.

“We had to help Indonesia. Previously, they asked Malaysia to send over food packets to them which we did. After the spike in Covid-19 cases, the oxygen there (Indonesia) is in short supply so we sent the oxygen.

“We have sent 105 tonnes of oxygen or seven oxygen tanks. While we are helping Indonesia in this time of need, we also need to protect Sarawak so we must retain some (oxygen) reserves,” he said.

Masing was met by reporters after handing over the oxygen supply during a short ceremony at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Tebedu, Serian today.

“For our own use, we have enough. We are sending part of our reserves but we kept some for our use. We need to assist our children here if we need to,” he said.

On July 22, Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said Sarawak would assist West Kalimantan by channelling supplies of oxygen.

Earlier this month, it was reported that West Kalimantan had requested for oxygen from the state due to a shortage of supply following high Covid-19 cases in Indonesia.

Indonesia had requested for oxygen supplies from other countries, including Singapore and China."

Source : sarawaktribune