KUCHING: Most respondents to a verbal survey carried out by this publication recently did not welcome the idea of making Malaysians who are non-Sarawakians show their passports when travelling to the State.
A statement made by State Reform Party (STAR) president, Lina Soo, urging the State to revive the old passport rule was posted online recently.
Currently, Malaysians from Malaya and Sabah who enter the State only need to fill the IMM card (Disembarkation Card).
Sayyidi Abdul Samad, 28, a district manager for Primavera Company said the passport proposal would not be convenient.
“As I often travel to monitor our company branches in Sarawak, it is complicated because I need to apply for a passport and renew it when it expires. It is better to use the IMM card since it is free and convenient,” said Sayyidi.
He also said that a passport requirement would create a barrier between the State and the rest of the country.
“How do we show our unity to the world if we don’t trust our immigration system. We are living in a new era which must have a convenient solution for the benefit of all,” he said.
Adriance George, 25, a medical student at a local college, did not like the passport idea “because we are of one nation”.
“It would be unfair to Malayans and Sabahans. I know exactly what Soo is trying to convey, but times have changed. We need to be realistic and practical in order to develop our State,” he said.
“Development will attract more investors particularly from Malaya and Sabah, but if put restrictions on them, how can we attract them?”
Candee Josiah, 29, a stewardess for a local airline, disagreed with the statement made by Lina soo.
“It is enough to just fill an immigration form for a 90-day visit pass or present a permit/pass for those who work or study in Sarawak,” she said.
“This is enough to limit the entry of those who may pose a threat to order and security in the State.”
Evelyn Joseph, 24, a student pharmacist in a local college said it is unnecessary move for Lina Soo to
make the proposal.
“Non-Sarawakians still need to have passports if they wish to stay in Sarawak for more than 30 days,” she said.
“So it is really unnecessary to reinforce the rule, in my opinion. You see, we are living in one country and we should tolerate each other. Why complicate immigration procedures when all they want is to visit Sarawak for a few days?
“Not using passports is a way of encouraging more tourists from Malaya and Sabah to visit our State, so that we can generate income and they can improve their understanding of our culture instead of blaming them for misunderstanding us all the time. The current form is adequate, there is no need to improvise.”
