Labuan police chief Muhamad Farid Ahmad said the public, especially locals, were required to notify the police stations and submit an application for written approval before travelling.

However, the new ruling does not apply to transport companies ferrying essential goods, including furniture and equipment, to Labuan but they must have an official letter from their employers.

Farid said the Labuan police contingent would not set up roadblocks on the island. ‘‘We have stationed enough personnel at the Labuan Airport and the two ferry terminals, namely Labuan Ro-Ro Ferry Terminal and Labuan International Ferry Terminal, since Sept 27,” he said.

A 24-hour surveillance would be implemented along the coastline to ward off attempts to reach the island via illegal means (jalan tikus) to evade Covid-19 checks.

Meanwhile, the Sabah Ports and Harbour Department has acknowledged the closure of the ticket counters at the Menumbok Jetty on the Sabah mainland for passenger speed boat services in view of the low volume of travellers to Labuan following the inter-district ban.

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