By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, July 1: Brunei contributed ventilators and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Covid-19 test kits worth RM1.7 million to assist Malaysia’s efforts to curb the Covid-19 pandemic.
These items are meant for government hospitals in Labuan, Sabah and Sarawak.
Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein in a press statement yesterday said Malaysia is appreciative of Brunei’s continuous support to the country in curbing the Covid-19 pandemic.
“On behalf of the Government of Malaysia, I have expressed my sincere gratitude to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Negara Brunei Darussalam (Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah), and the Government of Brunei Darussalam for this invaluable contribution which will provide added valued assistance to our healthcare system in Labuan, Sabah and Sarawak in managing the pandemic.
“With this contribution, I truly believe the existing special relations between the two countries will be further strengthened for the mutual benefit of our people,” he said.
Hishammuddin also said Brunei’s contribution showcases the close and special relations that have been established during the 37 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He said Brunei has been one of the first countries to collaborate with Malaysia in mitigating the adverse impacts of Covid-19 since the beginning of the pandemic.
He pointed out that Malaysia and Brunei has had a series of successful Covid-19 collaborations particularly, in the repatriation of Malaysians and Bruneians in Cambodia, Egypt, India, Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka as well as facilitating returns of citizens to Malaysia and Brunei.
Meanwhile, the handing over ceremony of the medical equipment to Malaysia was held at the Labu Temburong Control Post in Brunei this morning.
It was carried out by representatives of the Ministries of Health of both countries.
The Malaysian delegation was led by Deputy Director of State Health, JKN Sarawak, Dr Azlee Ayuh and the Brunei delegation was led by Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health of Brunei Dr Zulaidi Abdul Latif. — DayakDaily
