'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.

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"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.

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"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.