KOTA KINABALU: Realising the pressing need for face shields in the fight against the spread of Covid-19, several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Sabah, have since last week, taken the initiative to produce the protective tools for distribution to frontliners.
Malaysia Red Crescent (BSMM) Sandakan district started making the face shields on March 23, after observing frontline personnel, in particular, those at the Duchess of Kent Sandakan Hospital were in desperate need of the personal protection equipment in dealing with the increasing number of Covid-19 cases.
Sandakan BSMM quartermaster Chong Thau Kuen said 27 of its officers and volunteers had been helping in the production, which is now entering its third phase.
“For the first phase, 354 units were delivered to Sandakan hospital and health clinic frontline workers on March 24, while another 2,000 units were distributed on March 28.
“We are now in our third phase of production and trying to produce another 2,000 units. However we now have problems in getting materials as most shops are closed during this Movement Control Order (MCO) period,” he said when contacted by Bernama.
Chong said all the Sandakan BSMM volunteers involved in the face shield production are operating from homes following the MCO enforcement.
He said more shields would be produced as long as they are needed by frontline workers in Sandakan, adding that donations of materials are most welcome.
Meanwhile, Sabah Pertubuhan Amal Kebajikan Insan Sejagat is providing the necessary materials to ensure sufficient supply of face shields for frontliners at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital (HQE).
Its deputy chairman,Punjungan Mustapah said when it was learned that HQE needed at least 2,000 face shields each day, the charity organisation came forward to provide the materials last Friday, to enable the hospital to produce them according to its specifications.
He said the organisation was getting its members to raise funds in aid of HQE’s face shield production. — March 31, 2020, Bernama
