Elderly also deserve to enjoy the library

Published on: Sunday, October 25, 2020

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I AM writing to your well-respected paper in the hope of highlighting a problem as well as to help the tens of thousands of senior citizens to have a proper place to read something beneficial.

For a few times recently, I went to several branches of the Sabah State Library (SSL) to do some reading. I have been doing that since decades ago, and as a taxpayer, I feel I have the right to do so. I am now 68 and I am still actively involved in business.

But I was shocked at the security guard’s advice and the notice at entrance clearly which said at did not want folks aged 65 and above to enter the premises because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

I was amazed at this kind of singling out especially senior citizens when it has not been approved by the Ministry of Health (MOH).

It is true that old people and small children are more susceptible to the pandemic but other reports that these are just claims. They can be overcome with the stringency in the application of rules and SOPs such as (1) sticking to face mask, (2) keeping strict social distancing and (3) always using sanitisers whenever one is outside his room.

I appeal to your good paper to highlight under which MOH code or instruction is the library acting or under which approved health order is the SSL following. This is important because tens of thousands or maybe hundreds of thousands of people older than 65 years are deprived of their legally earned right to use a public facility such as a library, hospital, parks, tax department, prayer houses, etc, subject to SOPs.

Moreover, a lot of them are still paying taxes, and if SSL is abusing the pandemic to deprive sabahans their rights, then may I ask if it is all right to forget about LHDN, JPJ, banks, etc without having to pay anything? They will go bankrupt in no time.

The arrangement has to be balanced – take our money but respect out rights. Remember, Sabah State Library buildings are all built on taxpayers’ money, which is the toil, sweat and blood of the rakyat of Sabah.

I hope your great paper may highlight this complaint so that the positive results arising from your kindness may reopen the doors of all SSL buildings to senior citizens.

Ini kali lah!!