MIRI – The Malaysian authorities have not opened the floodgates for Indonesians and other foreigners to enter Sarawak from Kalimantan as outbreaks of Covid-19 are still happening at the other side of the border.
Police roadblocks and strict surveillance checks are still in place at the mountainous entry points of Long Midang and Punang Kelalan in the Lawas district.
Lawas MP Datuk Henry Sum Agong, who is the federal deputy transport minister, said the entry of foreigners is still subject to very strict control.
“We have not opened the border for free-flow entry yet as there are Covid-19 outbreaks at the border regions in Kalimantan.
“We will maintain the roadblocks and other checks along the border routes in Sarawak.
“The restriction on movements is still being enforced,” he was quoted as saying.
The Sarawak state public communications unit quoted Sum as saying that those from across the border who want to enter Sarawak for trading or official business are still required to undergo the necessary health tests and other personal checks.
The unit reported that Sum provided updates on the entry requirements during his talks with traders at the Lun Bawang ethnic festival in Lawas town.
Sarawak’s boundary with Kalimantan stretches for over 1,500km. The Lawas entry route is the northernmost outpost.
Yesterday, Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian had said that Sarawak cannot relax too many Covid-19 preventive measures, as new infections and deaths in the state remain on the high side.
He said the state will still need some tight standard operating procedures to be in place even though most SOPs have been eased at the national level.
He said that even though federal Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has announced the relaxation of SOPs and optional wearing of face masks, Sarawak will need its own SOPs.
“People are still dying of Covid 19 here and the infections are still a threat especially among the vulnerable and high-risk groups,” he said. “The public must remain on alert and wear their facemasks.”
Dr Sim said the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee will decide on a set of SOPs soon. – The Vibes, September 9, 2022
