KUCHING: The recent kidnapping of five Sarawakians by Indonesian soldiers will not have any negative impact on the state’s tourism industry as it was an isolated case.
State Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the cross-border tourism would not be affected.
“I believed the recent kidnapping case or rogue soldiers was an isolated case,” he said when contacted.
However, he advised the local community staying near the border to be cautious to prevent recurrence.
“The border is a large and hilly area without fence to separate Sarawak and Kalimantan, Indonesia. Therefore, sometimes, there would be some disputes whether the land they are stepping into belong to Malaysia or Indonesia.
“If there’s nothing urgent, don’t go near the border, which is the best way to avoid any untoward incident,” he added.
As for those traveling by road, Karim said, they would have to pass the immigration border post.
“As long as they have valid document to cross the border by road – (either) for tourism or other purposes – entering or leaving the state will not be an issue,” he said.