By Peter Sibon
KUCHING, June 9: The Sarawak government has requested that the present border security strength encompassing some 876 personnel deployed along the Sarawak-Kalimantan border be maintained until the end of the year, revealed Covid-19 Border Security Committee chairman Tan Sri James Masing.
He revealed their presence along the border has greatly assisted the government in preventing illegal border crossings by people living along the border on both sides.
“The presence of our security forces has not only prevented smuggling activities but also prevented the spread of the deadly corona virus.
“As such we are requesting that the present strength of security personnel be deployed along the border till end of this year,” Masing told DayakDaily when contacted today.
Masing who is also Deputy Chief Minister also disclosed that security forces arrested seven illegal immigrants in Samarahan last night.
“Six of them entered Sarawak at Selampit, Lundu area on May 30. One tested positive (for Covid-19).
“Another Indonesian who entered four months earlier also tested positive and the driver, a local also tested Covid-19 positive. This is what I’m worried regarding our porous ‘jalan tikus’ (illegal routes),” he added.
Meanwhile, Masing confirmed the state government will continue to provide essential items to Indonesians living near the border.
The food items are sent only via official Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complexes at Biawak, Tebedu and Lubok Antu. — DayakDaily
