Sarawak shuts border posts, limited entry from Brunei, Kalimantan

CORONAVIRUS | Sarawak has closed all its border posts while customs, immigration and quarantines (CIQ) complexes controlling entry from Brunei and Kalimantan will operate at limited hours.

The CIQ between Sarawak and Brunei, namely Sungai Tujuh, Tedungan, Pandaruan and Mengkalap will be opened from 6am to 8pm.

The CIQ between Sarawak and Kalimantan, namely Tebedu, Biawak and Lubok Antu, will open between 9am and 3pm, the state government said.

This is in co-operation with nationwide movement control order (MCO) from March 18 to 31.

The state government said it has enlisted the military to enforce the MCO at border posts and rural areas.

Under the MCO, no foreigners are allowed to enter Malaysia while Malaysians cannot leave the country. Citizens who return from abroad must self-quarantine for 14 days.

However, Sarawak has the rights to set its own immigration policy.

Meanwhile, the state said it is collaborating with private hospitals to boost its capacity in screening and testing for Covid-19.

As of March 20, the state recorded 58 cases of Covid-19, including one death - Kuching pastor David Cheng.

Bandar Kuching MP Kelvin Yii and Sarikei MP Wong Bing Liu also tested positive for Covid-19 and are treated at Hospital Umum Sarawak and Hospital Sibu respectively.

The biggest cluster of cases involved those who attended the tabligh event at Masjid Sri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur on Feb 27 to Mar 3.

Brunei's first case was a man who attended the tabligh event, and travelled via Miri, Sarawak.

The state said to date, the Covid-19 hotspots in the states are Kuching, Serian, Betong, Sarikei, Bintulu, Miri and Limbang. - Mkini