KUCHING: Sarawak is closing all its border entry points between Kalimantan, Indonesia to prevent persons infected with Covid-19 virus from crossing into the state.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing announced this after chairing a Border Security Committee meeting in his office at Baitulmakmur (Masja), Kuching yesterday.
The meeting discussed ways and means to monitor all the entry points along the Sarawak-Kalimantan Border stretching some 900km long.
Masing said the state would deploy 876 police and military personnel at these entry points.
“The entry points include three Customs, Immigration Quarantine and Security (CIQs) stations and 43 illegal (jalan gajah and jalan tikus) entries a point of various shape and sizes.
“During this health crisis caused by Covid-19 pandemic, it is of utmost importance that these entry points are sealed except for the CIQs complex at Biawak, Lubok Antu and Entikong which will remain open at certain times during the movement control order (MCO) period,” he said.
He said that the General Operation Force (GOF), Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) and the Immigration Department have assured the committee that the remaining entry points are sealed and are manned by the police and army personnel 24-hours.
Masing who is also Infrastructure and Port Development Minister said that during the duration of the MCO, these men in uniform would monitor the entry points to ensure nobody could sneak in.
“Three new entry points in Kapit Division (Long Singut, Long Busang and Tapak Megah) will also be monitored.
“For the whole month of April, these entry points will be closely monitored to prevent persons infected with Covid-19 coming across the border,” he stressed.
He thanked the police and army personnel for doing a splendid job in ensuring that people comply with the MCO.
Yesterday’s meeting was also attended by deputy State Secretary Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, ministry’s permanent secretary Datuk Safri Zainudin, GOF Sarawak Brigade Commander Datuk Khaw Kok Chin, senior officers from police, MAF, Immigration and the State Security Council (MKN).
