Sarawak transporters must be vaccinated before entering Brunei

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): Sarawak transporter companies must get their drivers vaccinated before July 13 to ensure that they are allowed to enter Brunei Darussalam to deliver essential goods and services.

Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Lee Khim Shin said based on a media release by the Brunei Government on May 31, foreign registered transporters, including those from Sarawak, must be vaccinated and have Cross-Country Permits issued by Brunei, the Borneo Post reported.

As this requirement created anxiety among Sarawakian transporters who have business activities with counterparts in Brunei, Lee has spoken to the Brunei Darussalam Consulate-General on the matter.

Based on the conversation, foreign based transporters entering Brunei must produce their Covid-19 vaccination certificates with Cross-Country Permits effective July 13, and were given a grace period from June 1 to July 12 to get their drivers vaccinated.

“Digital vaccination certificates on MySejahtera Apps are also acceptable. Brunei may also consider those logistics companies’ drivers who have been vaccinated with only the first dose if they can prove that the date for appointment of second dose has been confirmed through the app, ” said Lee in a statement.

He stressed that the vaccination requirement only applies to transport operators and not to ordinary travellers.

“I wish to inform that the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) has also agreed for these logistics companies’ drivers to be given priority for vaccination in their divisions, ” he said. - Borneo Bulletin/Asia News Network