KOTA KINABALU, Feb 6 (Bernama) — The Sabah state government will not grant a further visa extension for Chinese tourists who are currently stranded in the state after the one-week extension given to them expired, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
He said even though the state government had suspended all direct flights from and to China, the group could fly back to their home country via Kuala Lumpur.
“If we extended it (visa) for another month, they might request for another extension after that. It is not easy for us to monitor and contact them should something happens,” he told reporters after attending the International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Darell Leiking meet-and-greet programme in conjunction with Chinese New Year celebration here last night.
Among those present were Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Jaujan Sambakong and members of the state cabinet.
Elaborating further, Mohd Shafie said they should respect and use the seven-day extension to find ways to return to China.
On Tuesday, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said the state government and Immigration Department had agreed to grant a special extension of one week to Chinese nationals stranded in the state in the wake of the state’s travel ban following the coronavirus outbreak in the republic.
It was reported that the state government had temporarily suspended all direct flights to and from China effective Jan 30.
— BERNAMA
