'Don't Travel to Malaysia for Whatever Reasons', West Kalimantan Governor Tells

PONTIANAK, KOMPAS.com - Indonesia's West Kalimantan Governor Sutarmidji has warned residents not to travel to Malaysia for any purpose due to the high Covid-19 transmission rate.

"Don't travel to Malaysia for any purpose and in any way. The transmission rate in Malaysia is still high and is getting higher,” Sutarmidji said on Sunday, March 14.

Sutarmidji expressed hope that Indonesian migrant workers who officially return through mouse trails must conduct strict isolation. West Kalimantan, Indonesia shares a land border with Sarawak, Malaysia, allowing the border crossing for citizens of both countries.

Also read: Schools in Indonesia-Malaysia Border Area Reopen during Covid-19 Pandemic

"In case of Indonesian migrant workers were deported formally through the illegal path, make sure that they conduct stringent self-isolation," he said.

Sharing a similar sentiment, Head of the West Kalimantan Health Service Harisson said that all related parties must work together to guard the border posts to contain the Covid-19 from spreading.  

"If we are not careful about Indonesian migrant workers handling, it's useless to guard the airports and seaports as the border crossing points could become dangerous entrance gates," said Harisson.

Harisson said there are still many mouse trails that are not controlled by officers.

Also read: Over 40 Kg of Crystal Meth in Indonesia-Malaysia Border Seized

"The illegal path is an entry and exit route that may not be controlled, people come and go freely from the path carrying Covid-19 from Malaysia," said Harisson.

The result of a laboratory test shows that 69 out of 108 Indonesian migrant workers deported from Malaysia through the Entikong border post on March 11 have tested positive for the Covid-19.

"Those who are positive have high viral loads. Some even reach 243 million viral loads. This will be a very high risk of transmission," said Harisson.

Also read: Indonesia to Focus on Sei Ular Border With Malaysia

A total of 69 people, there are 46 people from West Kalimantan and 23 people from outside West Kalimantan.

Harisson confirmed that 23 deportees from outside West Kalimantan have now been moved to the West Kalimantan Health Service Unit for treatment and isolation.

Meanwhile, 46 deportees from West Kalimantan who had been returned to their hometowns were asked to conduct self-isolation and quarantine.

(Writer: Hendra Cipta | Editor: Teuku Muhammad Valdy Arief)

Source: https://regional.kompas.com/read/2021/03/14/141832078/gubernur-kalbar-jangan-ke-malaysia-untuk-keperluan-apa-pun?page=all#page2.