KUCHING: Several incidences of visa complications due to delays in renewals have made things difficult for migrant Chinese workers in Sarawak.
This was mentioned during a courtesy call made by Deputy Consul-General Zhang Yang and Consul Jiang Ying from the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Kuching to Tribune Press Sdn Bhd at Metrocity’s Commercial Precinct, Jalan Matang here yesterday.
According to Zhang, some of these complications have even led to the detention of the workers.
“It is usually a very long process to renew a visa, so while waiting for their new visas these workers were arrested,” said Jiang.
This, according to Jiang, is a hindrance to the increasing number of migrant Chinese workers here, what with the increase in collaborative projects between China and Sarawak.
“China has invested approximately RM60 billion in Sarawak,” Jiang said.
Zhang added that Sarawak can expect more investments, and that each of these investments could require between 300 and 5,000 workers “depending on the size of the project”.
He therefore hoped that the
process of visa applications and renewals by the relevant authorities would be expedited in order to prevent such unfortunate
occurrences.
Touching on investments related to the agricultural sector, the deputy consul-general said that one of the issues faced, especially in rural areas, is uncertainty over the real landowners.
“So, when newcomers come here, we have to make them aware of all these issues,” Zhang said, expressing his hope that this could be eased by ironing out these problems.
The close relationship between China and Sarawak can be further cultivated and strengthened by addressing the current challenges faced in efforts to gain mutual
benefits.
He explained that Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg had been informed of these challenges.
During the meeting, Zhang also voiced his hope that more China-related news should be publicised in the media in order to paint a real picture of the goings-on in the country.
“More people want to go deeper than surface level and understand the background of happenings in China,” he reasoned.
Jiang attributed China’s fast-moving success in becoming the second largest economy globally to the habits and traditions of the people, whereby hard work is strongly emphasised.
Present on behalf of Tribune Press Sdn Bhd were New Sarawak Tribune (NST) and Suara Sarawak (SS) chief operating officer Mohamad Sardon Zainal, NST executive editor Rajah Murugaiah, SS deputy executive editor Awang Rosli Awang Jaya, and NST and SS sales manager Jason Chua.
