Sarawak may one day waive travel conditions for Sabahans
KUCHING: Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the time will come when Sabahans can enter Sarawak without being subjected to any conditions.
He said even today, there is no problem for people in both states to go in and out of Sabah and Sarawak; besides no fee is imposed.
“There are some aspects that we need to look at and in fact for Sabah and Sarawak there is no problem with that. But there are some factors that need to be understood and taken into account, including geopolitical factors,” he told reporters after a dinner on Monday in Kota Kinabalu hosted by the Sabah government in honour of his visit to Sabah on Monday.
At present, Sabahans use Social Visit Passes or passports to enter Sarawak.
Commenting on his two-day visit accompanied by a delegation to Sabah, Abang Johari said it was aimed at strengthening friendship ties between the two states.
“Thanks to the warm welcome extended to us by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal. Many things can be accomplished with such good relationship,” he said.
Among the things which could be implemented include enhancing development and the communications network which would further boost the tourism industry of both states, he said.
“Of course Sarawak will play a role in the framework of cooperation with Sabah, Brunei and Indonesia … because I am confident and trust that this is going to benefit us all, especially Malaysia as Sabah and Sarawak are part of the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, after paying a courtesy call on Sabah Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin at Istana Negeri yesterday, he said the relocation of the Indonesian capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan will bring about positive impacts, especially on Sabah and Sarawak’s economic growth.
He added that the relocation would benefit the two states as various development including in terms of infrastructure would be brought to Kalimantan.
“The close proximity (of Sabah and Sarawak to the new capital) will definitely bring about more benefits to our economy.
“We are currently working closely with West Kalimantan on matters such as the export of electricity to the area,” he told reporters. – Bernama
