MIRI: The State Disaster Management Committee has been told to tighten security measures along the state’s borders, especially in Limbang and Lawas, following six confirmed Covid-19 cases in Brunei.

Assistant Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture, Native Land and Regional Development Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail said stringent checks using temperature scanners need to be carried out at the Malaysia-Brunei borders at Tedungan, Pandaruan and Mengkalap in Trusan, Lawas.

The Bukit Kota assemblyman said this can help prevent visitors with Covid-19 symptoms such as fever and respiratory infection from crossing the border into the state, which is still free from the coronavirus.

“We are concerned about the spread of Covid-19 in neighbouring Brunei near Limbang and Lawas.

“I urge the State Disaster Management Committee to increase security measures at all entry points to check those departing to or returning from affected countries,” he told the press here yesterday.

He said the preventative measures taken by the Brunei government in forbidding its civil servants from making trips to Miri, Kota Kinabalu, Labuan and Limbang is appropriate to prevent the spread of the virus.

“Even though the decision will have impact on the economy, the people’s health and early prevention measures should be prioritised at this moment,” he added.

At the same time, Dr Abdul Rahman called on Limbang folks to stay calm, maintain good personal hygiene, and avoid visiting areas or countries affected by Covid-19.

Meanwhile, Limbang Resident Ahmad Denney Ahmad Fauzi said the Limbang and Lawas Disaster Management Committee will meet today to discuss the latest developments of Covid-19 in Brunei.