Sarawakians wishing to return to state advised to follow proper procedure

MIRI: Sarawakians who wish to return home from West Malaysia, Sabah, Labuan or overseas must check and follow the proper procedure so that they can have a smooth entry during this pandemic.

Chia Kah Furng, special assistant to Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Datuk Sebastian Ting, told reporters that the procedure travellers must undergo is part of the Covid-19 standard operating procedure (SOP) and that without proper documentation, no entry will be allowed.

“I have received a lot of enquiries on this from a lot of Sarawakians, particularly parents whose children are studying at either West Malaysia, Sabah or overseas. Often, they get confused with the information shared on social media, hence causing them to face problem in returning home,” said Chia.

The procedure and documentation that are required, he explained, include police permit and a photocopy of identification card and boarding pass, all of which must be submitted with the application to enter Sarawak.

“It is only after the application is approved, that they can board their flight, as all airlines make such requirement to obtain the approval from State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC).

“Though it takes a bit of time, this procedure is to protect Sarawak and its people against the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Chia.

On another matter, Chia urged SDMC and the state Ministry of Youth and Sports to look into the possibility of allowing lion dance performances during the coming Chinese New Year festival.

“The spring festival is less than three months away. We have been receiving a lot of enquiries from lion dance troupes, whether they could perform publicly and what are the SOP requirement.

“Since lion dance is part of the Chinese New Year tradition, it is hoped that the ministry would allow them to perform. They need time to practise at least a month, so that they could be physically and mentally ready for performance,” said Chia.