Singapore to open new consulate in Sarawak

KUCHING (Dec 4): Singapore will set up a new consulate in Sarawak — its third diplomatic mission in Malaysia — following approval from the Malaysian government.

The Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore (Statos) confirmed the development in a Facebook post, citing an announcement by Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong.

Wong revealed the approval during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the 12th Singapore–Malaysia Leaders’ Retreat in Singapore.

“This will enable us to offer consular support to Singaporeans living there and further strengthen the already strong bonds between our people,” said Wong.

According to Statos, the proposal for a Sarawak-based consulate was first raised during the previous leaders’ retreat in Putrajaya in January — the inaugural meeting between Anwar and Wong.

At the time, both governments issued a joint statement acknowledging Singapore’s intention to establish the mission, pending formal approval.

Singapore currently operates two missions in Malaysia: its High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and a consulate in Johor Bahru, which opened in 2009.