KUCHING : Sarawak has tightened security at the Malaysia-Brunei border crossing at Sungai Tujuh, Miri, to prevent the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
This is due to the possibility of Chinese tourists entering the nation through Kota Kinabalu, and then continuing their journey to Sarawak via the land route from Sabah through Brunei before entering Miri.
Chief Minister, Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Abang Openg said personnel from the various agencies have been placed at the Sungai Tujuh Custums, Immigration and Quarantine Complex to conduct through checks on foreign tourists, especially those coming from the People’s Republic of China.
“Many Chinese tourists arrive in Kota Kinabalu through chartered flights and it is understood that they also visit Sarawak.
“They would usually enter Sarawak through the land route and it is for this reason we have tightened the Sungai Tujuh entry point as it is the main entry in Sarawak via land route,” he said after attending the ‘Jom Berambeh Makan Durian’ Surau Darul Qarar, Kampung Temedak here today.
Abang Johari said in addition the state government had also further enhanced checks at the Kuching International Airport, even though there is no direct flight from China to the state.
It is understood that tourists from China usually enter the state through flights originating from Singapore.
Abang Johari said the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (JPBN) held a meeting today to discuss measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
“The JPBN meeting was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, State Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian and State Government Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion.
"Among the things discussed was the necessary steps in preparation for a possible outbreak, the provisions needed to provide face masks and quarantine preparation," he said.