LABUAN: Hundreds of Sabahans on this duty-free island are still yearning for an opportunity to meet their spouses on the mainland although the relaxation of travel restrictions for married couples came into force today.
Most of them are civil servants working in various government agencies here and only a small number are workers in the private sector.
Labuan Member of Parliament Datuk Rozman Isli said it was high time for the Sabah government to loosen its standard operating procedure (SOP) for travellers from Labuan to enter Sabah.
The Sabah Disaster Management Committee should review its interstate travel SOP for people from Labuan as the island had achieved herd immunity with over 80 per cent of its adult population fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and its infectivity rate was low, he said.
"There is no necessity for interstate travel special approval (via online application) from the committee, which takes a long time to approve. The expensive Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test (to enter Sabah) should be replaced by the RTK-Ag test," he told Bernama today.
Rozman said he would send an appeal letter to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor soon.
He said although Labuan is a federal territory under the federal government's administration, the island is still heavily dependent on Sabah's resources especially food supply.
"Thousands of Sabahan are living on this island, be it for work or staying with relatives. Therefore, on behalf of the local folks and the married couples living apart, we are requesting the Sabah government to relook the interstate travel SOP," Rozman said.
Jeffrey Nian, a staff member of the Labuan Information Department, said he had not seen his wife and children for four months now.
"I was happy to hear the relaxation on inter-district and interstate travel for married couples living apart, as announced by the Prime Minister on Sunday.
"Unfortunately, it does not apply to Sabah; it means I'm still unable to travel to meet my wife on the mainland. I hope the Sabah government can consider the plight of Sabahans in Labuan," he said.
Khairul Idin, a journalist with Wilayahku, said he had been living apart from his wife in Sandakan since April.
"I sent my wife back to Sandakan for confinement after she delivered our first baby. At that time the interstate travel restriction to Sabah was a bit relaxed.
"But now we totally cannot meet as the SOP to enter Sabah is too strict for travellers from Labuan. Sad to say, I was able to spend only a few days with our new-born baby before they returned to Sandakan," he added.
Labuan Disaster Management Committee chairman Rithuan Ismail said travellers from Labuan need a police permit, negative PCR test results and interstate travel approval from the Sabah government to enter the mainland.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Aug 10 2021
Labuan MP Rozman Isli said it was high time for the Sabah government to loosen its standard operating procedure for travellers from Labuan to enter Sabah. - BERNAMA
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.