Sarawak introduces free swab tests for locals crossing Brunei borders

The Sarawak state government will bear the cost for Covid-19 swab tests for every Sarawakian travelling across Brunei’s borders via land with immediate effect.

Assistant Minister of Agriculture Native Land and Regional Development Abdul Rahman Ismail said the decision was reached at the Sarawak cabinet meeting in Kuching on Thursday, according to a report in the Borneo Post.

Abdul Rahman said the move would particularly impact those living in the Limbang and Lawas districts.

He added that locals who usually make the overland crossing into Brunei include civil servants, a few from the private sector and also transporters of essential goods.

“I’m sure this group would be happy over the state government’s decision to cover all costs involved in the Covid-19 test. At least it would ease their economic burden a little bit,” he said.

Abdul Rahman added that travellers would still be required to inform the local disaster management committees prior to entering Brunei, whose government has set Covid-19 screening as a condition imposed on all foreigners, including Malaysians, who are entering the country – even for a cross-border transit.

In addition, each foreigner would also have to pay three Brunei dollars (equivalent to RM9.30) per entry and exit fee.