Soepeno: Time to review Malaysia-Indonesia Border Trade Agreement

KOTA KINABALU: It is time to review a four-decade agreement between Malaysia and Indonesia to better promote trade, said Indonesian Consulate General, Consul General Soepeno Sahid.Making the call here yesterday, he said the Border Trade Agreement 1970 was no longer relevant, especially when it was restricting the amount of traded goods.

“Any person can only bring in RM600  worth of goods at any one time by sea. So with such restricted amount, there is not much trading can be done.

“In fact, for last year alone, trading of goods such as garments and food items between Sabah (in Tawau) and Nunukan (Indonesia) only recorded about RM1.6 million,” he said.

Speaking to reporters during a special exhibition on Palembang Songket at his official residence in Tanjung Aru, near here, yesterday, Soepeno added that he had mooted the idea to Assistant Finance   Minister  Datuk Tawfiq Datuk Abu Bakar Titingan about two months back, and he had agreed in principle.

“He (Tawfiq) said the matter would be brought up with the state government, so we are hoping for some positive news soon.

“With the review of the agreement, which was signed in 1970, we would also hope to encourage direct shipping between Tawau and Nunukan, which in turn would help promote better trade, tourism and reduce smuggling of goods and human trafficking,” he said.

On another development, Soepeno also anticipated that decision on the issue of employing domestic helpers from their country would be resolved by end of this year.

“For now, we have temporarily halted employment of our countrymen to be domestic helpers in Malaysia until certain requirements are met, such as allowing the employees to hold their passports, at least a day off weekly and minimum wages of RM500 per month,” he said.

He added that both countries are currently finalising the decision.

Meanwhile, the event, which was organised by the Consulate General of Republic of Indonesia’s   Women association (Dharma Wanita Persatuan Konsul Jeneral Republik Indonesia), showcased the beautiful ‘songket’ clothing from   Palembang,   ranging from Indonesian bridal gowns to evening   wears. According to the association’s president, Hardini Budisulistyo Rini Sahid, the event was aimed at promoting their products.

“There are special motives when it comes to Indonesian collections and this is what we hope to share with our friends here in Malaysia,” she said.