Malaysia to require passports from barter traders amid Sabah issue

Starting April 15, barter traders will be feeling the heat from the ongoing row between Malaysian security forces and followers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III in Sabah, as Malaysian authorities are clamping down on their credentials. On that date, immigration authorities will no longer accept the Seaman Identification Card (SIC) for barter traders entering Sabah and Labuan, and will instead require them to show their passports, New Straits Times reported Wednesday. Immigration director general Datuk Alias Ahmad cited the possibility that some "irresponsible" barter traders may be involved in "activities that could jeopardize the country's security," the report said. Barter traders will be allowed to stay in Sabah and Labuan for up to seven days only. Traders who entered Sabah and Labuan "are also not allowed to move to another boat until they return to their country of origin," the report added. The new policies were part of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) initiative, set up after the clashes between Kiram's followers and security forces. Malaysia had been cracking down on Kiram's followers since March 5, following deadly clashes last March 1 and 2. It also tightened patrols at Sabah to prevent the entry from Mindanao — or escape from Sabah — of Kiram followers. The New Straits Times report said the barter trade in Sabah takes place at ports in Sandakan, Tawau and Kudat, and at the Labuan port. Citing figures from last year, the report said 18,388 barter traders were issued seaman's ID cards, while there were 1,768 barter trader vessels involved. — KBK, GMA News