Calling it a grave matter, he pointed to a letter supposedly from a doctor in the hospital claiming that the intensive care unit (ICU) was full, forcing the hospital to transfer some severely sick patients with poor prognosis to other wards. The letter was carried in an online portal.

In a statement today, he urged the health ministry and Sarawak disaster management committee to investigate these allegations before another major crisis happens.

“The government must provide the support and extra manpower to prevent the hospital from being overrun or risking the health of the medical staff.

“Instead of threatening them with disciplinary action for reporting such cases or incidents, the authorities should reassure them by giving more support,” he said, adding that Sibu Hospital was still a hybrid hospital where non-Covid-19 patients were also being treated.

Yii also noticed that the Sarawak disaster management committee’s daily reports did not reflect what was happening on the ground.

He said that according to the letter, there are 27 Covid-19 patients in the ICU, which contradicts the committee’s report that there are only 12 such cases throughout Sarawak.

“The committee must be more transparent in their data management to instil confidence among the public and not create unnecessary perceptions that some things are being covered up,” he said.

The MP also said that in a public health crisis, honest and transparent reporting was important so the public could fully understand the real situation on the ground so that support or even intervention can be provided.

He also demanded that the health ministry reveal the progress of its plan to send 430 health workers to Sarawak, adding they must be given all the needed support and arrangements to fly as soon as possible.