KUCHING: The authorities have been urged to investigate the alleged monopoly of trade by an individual on the Malaysian side which has resulted in a blockade at the border between Long Midang in Krayan, Indonesia and Buduk Nur in Ba Kelalan yesterday.
Without naming the individual, Ba’kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian said in a statement the blockade was led by the ‘Ketua Adat’ and videos of the blockade and their demands were circulating on social media.
“Previously, there was free flow of trade across the border, which was advantageous for the people on both sides.
“During the MCO, trade stopped due to the border being closed, with the exception of certain supplies which were badly needed by those on the Indonesian side,” he said.
Baru said that one politically connected person only was allowed to sell these goods.
“And I understand that it is the same person who is continuing the monopoly even after the border reopening in the name of the cooperative, Mitra in Krayan.
“It is questionable whether he is representing the people of Ba’kelalan or acting in their best interests.
“He is reported to be selling goods exclusively to Mitra, which is reselling the goods at high prices,” claimed Baru.
The protesters, he said, were demanding that the governments of both sides fully open up the border-crossing with the usual freedom for everyone to buy from and sell to traders, shops and individuals on both sides.
“The operation of the monopolies on the Kyaran side as well as the Ba’kelalan side is unhealthy and creates hardships for the ordinary people by pushing up prices of supplies, especially essential goods,” he said.
Baru said by restricting trade to be conducted through the cooperatives, the local independent traders and farmers on the Malaysia side were disadvantaged or even side lined.
He said it was commendable that the authorities were willing to send goods to Krayan, but allowing the cooperatives to control the trade was counter-productive.
“I would like our government to investigate and ensure that the border crossing be opened and revert to the previous practice of allowing any person to cross and sell goods but at the same time ensure the protection of our people and the proper regulation of the flow of people to and from each side.
“We must protect free trade practice, especially since this is a remote area where supplies are not easy to obtain. We must not add unnecessary burdens on the people,” Baru stressed.
