Singapore will establish consulates in Sarawak and Sabah by mid-2024 to boost trade, investment and tourism ties with East Malaysia.
KUCHING: Singapore will establish consulates in Sarawak and Sabah this year following approval from the Malaysian government last month.
Singapore’s High Commissioner to Malaysia Vanu Gopala Menon said the approval prompted his visit to Kuching and Kota Kinabalu to assess potential consulate locations.
Speaking after a courtesy call on Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, Menon said Singapore will seek formal clearance from Wisma Putra before deploying personnel.
“We hope to get the consulates up and running by the middle of this year,” he said.
He added that the move is aimed at strengthening ties between Singapore and East Malaysia, particularly in trade, investment and tourism.
Menon noted that trade between Singapore and Sarawak has been growing steadily.
He said a permanent diplomatic presence will facilitate closer economic cooperation.
Menon also cited rising tourism interest among Singaporeans as another driving factor.
“They know about some of the potential sites at Mulu Caves, but Sarawak has plenty more to offer,” he added.
He believes consuls on the ground can attract more visitors and promote tourism links.
On Dec 4 last year, Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong welcomed Malaysia’s formal approval.
He described it as an important step in strengthening people-to-people ties.
Wong said the consulates would enable Singapore to provide consular services to its citizens.
He added they would further deepen the already strong bilateral relationship.
