Calling on SDMC not to impose further entry requirements for interstate travel

Today I had called on our Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) not to impose further entry requirements for interstate travel now that it has lifted the need for police permits. This is also because any form of movement restriction was a hindrance to tourism.

I'm not happy with the other requirements that the Sarawak government is putting to enter Sarawak. I don't see the basis for it. The police have done their part, why do we need to have these requirements to enter Sarawak? I was commenting to our media friends' request for my reactions on SDMC's announcement on Sunday (Oct 10) that fully vaccinated individuals can travel to Sarawak from other states without a police permit, in line with the Federal Government's decision to allow interstate travel.

However, SDMC had also required individuals travelling to the state must still apply for entry via "EnterSarawak" online with proof of their vaccination status and they must submit negative PCR or antigen test results from a health clinic or laboratory within three days of departure.

I opined that our state should allow fully vaccinated individuals to enter from within Malaysia without the need for further requirements. You don't need (these requirements) to enter Sarawak, the way I see it. Just show that you have received two doses of the vaccine and you are free to enter.

Now that the Malaysian government has put aside the need for the MyTravelPass for Malaysians to travel overseas, so why is Sarawak still putting all these conditions because adding such requirements would hinder tourists from coming to Sarawak.