Re-opening of land borders subject to local daily cases in Brunei, says economy minister

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, April 23 (Borneo Bulletin/ANN): Brunei will continue to monitor the local daily number of Covid-19 cases before considering to re-open land borders to commuters.

This was stated by Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Mohd Amin Liew at the daily press conference in the capital.

“Monitoring land travel is different from air travel as we would not be able to know how many people will exit and enter the country via land border.

“For air travel, it is easier to keep track based on the passenger manifest data,” he said, adding that the number of local cases should be at a stable rate.

Dr Awang also said that the re-opening of land borders may be delayed due to the below 70 per cent rate of the populace having received the booster shots.

“Adolescents aged 12-17 also need to get booster shots, while the number of children aged five to 11 taking their first dose is also still low,” he said, adding that the resumption of schooling session from May 14 must also be taken into account before re-opening land borders.

Meanwhile, Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Awang Abu Bakar said there has been no surge in passport renewals or travel document applications at the Immigration and National Registration Department since the announcement of easing of air travel restrictions on April 1.

“As of April 21, the number of applications is still the same like any other days ranging from 350-400 applications daily. There is no increase despite the school holiday season,” the minister said, adding that those wishing to travel need to re-check the passports’ expiry dates. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN