James Kon
Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam have been working closely together on the easing of travel restrictions. On top of the agenda now is both countries negotiating the vaccinated travel lane, said Malaysian High Commissioner to Brunei Darussalam Dato’ Raja Reza bin Raja Zaib Shah.
Despite Malaysia in the green travel list with another 10 countries since April 1, Dato’ Raja Reza said negotiations are still ongoing for the opening of land and sea borders between both countries. Malaysia has already opened fully for international travellers.
Dato’ Raja Reza said this during a sungkai event hosted by the Malaysian High Commissioner and spouse, Datin Roslina Ismail for the local media yesterday evening.
He also said media plays an important role in providing coverage for activities organised by the Malaysian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam as it helps build awareness for local communities to know more about the activities undertaken by the Malaysian Commission.
The year 2021, he described, “has been an extraordinary year for us due to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Touching on bilateral relationship, he said, “Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam has a solid relation where in the first quarter of 2022, we have seen exchanges of visits from the highest level.”
He revealed that Minister of Foreign Affairs II Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Erywan bin Pehin Datu Pekerma Jaya Haji Mohd Yusof left the country for a three-day working visit to Malaysia.
He was confident that more exchanges of visits will take place after Hari Raya.
The High Commissioner added, “The bilateral trade between Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia increased by 70.4 per cent to MYR8.03 billion (USD1.93 billion) in 2021 from MYR4.71 billion (USD1.12 billion) in 2020. When Brunei Darussalam fully re-open its border with Malaysia, I believe this will provide an opportunity to further boost the economy and tourism cooperation of both countries.”
The sungkai was held as an appreciation to members of the local media for the support and cooperation to the Malaysian High Commission in Brunei Darussalam.
