China consul calls for East Malaysia travel ban to be lifted

PUTRAJAYA (Jan 31): China’s ambassador to Malaysia Bai Tian has called on Sabah and Sarawak to review the decision to ban all flights from his country, the centre of the novel coronavirus epidemic.

In a press conference held at the Primary Industries Ministry here, he said “trade and other commercial activities should not be disrupted, especially when China is already facing difficulties in addressing the outbreak”, reported Malay Mail today.

“I am very sad to hear about this decision by the Sabah government. I think this decision needs a second thought, because I think any decision made by any government or organisation in this connection, has to be based on very solid foundation.

“And so I hope in a difficult situation like this, the normal flow of people and including the trade, commercial activities, should not be affected between China and Malaysia, including Sabah of course,” he said.

Yesterday, in an effort to stem the virus spread, the Sarawak government blocked the re-entry of Chinese students returning from their Lunar New Year break from China.

Similarly, all scheduled and chartered flights from China have also been suspended in Sabah.

The federal government has not imposed such a ban, but the two states in East Malaysia reserve the jurisdiction over their immigration regulations.