Immigration DG: Expect hassle-free entry and exit of Sabah if neighbouring nations also opened up their borders from April 1

KOTA KINABALU - The entry and exit process in Sabah border gates is expected to run smoothly if neighbouring countries also open their borders starting April 1.

Malaysian Immigration Department director-general, Datuk Seri Khairul Dzaimee Daud said, there is no problem in terms of control for the department to allow people from abroad to enter the country through the official border gates.

“It depends on the neighbouring countries whether or not they allow their citizens to leave the country as before the pandemic.

"Insya-Allah, if our neighbouring countries also implement the same border openings on April 1, this entry and exit process will not have many problems and the systems have also been re-tested and so far are in good condition," he said.

He said this to the reporters after being asked to comment on his work visit to the border gate in Sabah on Monday.

Commenting further, he said, officers and members who had previously been assigned to other units would be relocated at the border gates in line with the government's decision to reopen the border gates next month.

“I have visited other gateways in Mengkalap (Sarawak), Sindumin and Merapok to monitor the preparations when the country’s border gates finally open on April 1.

"So far, the Immigration is ready to implement the reopening of the country's borders and the manpower will also be relocated at the gates," he said.

Previously, he also informed that a site for the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) has been identified in the state for future development.

“I have visited the Immigration post in Pagalungan where the area is quite far and I went with the help of the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) using the helicopter to monitor the Immigration process there.

“I have also been informed that a site for a better ICQS has already been identified for future development,” he said.