Sabah and Sarawak roll out the red carpet

KUALA LUMPUR: After more than two years, Sabah and Sarawak have reopened their international border gates.

Apart from opening air routes, Sarawak, which shares borders with Brunei and Indonesia, has opened its land gateways although the standard operating procedure with the two countries has not yet been finalised.

Checks at the Kuching International Airport (KIA) found that the facilities and ground employees were ready to ensure that travellers comply with safety protocols.

Scoot from Singapore, which is expected to arrive at 7.30pm tomorrow, will be the first aircraft to land at Kuching International Airport (KIA) in Sarawak.

In addition, starting yesterday, visitors to Sarawak will no longer need to apply through the EnterSarawak platform or fill the e-health declaration form when entering the state. They need to simply download the MySejahtera application and meet requirements set by the authorities.

Yesterday, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, in a statement, asked Sarawakians to remain vigilant as the country enters the transition phase.

Checks made by Bernama at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) and the Tawau Ferry Terminal found the situation calm as there were no international flights or ferries from neighbouring Indonesia.

A spokesperson for Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd confirmed that no international flights were scheduled yesterday.

The Indonesian Consulate (KRI) consul-general in Tawau, Heni Hamidah, said it is expected to receive about 400 visitors daily from Nunukan.

Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) president Joseph Pang said Tawau was ready to receive foreign visitors and had upgraded popular tourist destinations in anticipation.

Meanwhile, Semporna Bumiputra Tourism Entrepreneurs Association president Kerino Jalani said the Sabah east coast tourism industry was ready to welcome foreign tourists.

“From April to June, rooms are fully booked on the island and hotels in Pekan Semporna,” he added.

Over the past two years, tour operators in Semporna had taken the initiative to upgrade hotel and resort facilities.