TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - All 111 Indonesian migrant workers who arrived at Tunon Taka Port in Nunukan District from the Malaysian state of Sabah on Friday tested negative for COVID-19, according to a medical team.

Soon after undergoing a medical check, 85 of the 111 Indonesians from South Sulawesi Province and three from West Sulawesi Province were sent home aboard MV Thaila via Parepare, South Sulawesi the same day, spokesperson for the Nunukan District Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Handling, Aris Suyono, said on Saturday.

Nine other Indonesians from East Kalimantan Province and 14 from North Kalimantan Province were also sent home that day.

"The result made us feel relieved because they all were declared negative," Suyono said.

The medical test included a rapid test and screening of health documents and certificates issued by Tawau Hospital and medical clinic in the neighboring country.

The 111 Indonesians were the first group to arrive at the port since Malaysia imposed a Movement Restriction Order and declared Tawau in Sabah as a red zone for the transmission of COVID-19.

The arrival of the 111 Indonesians drew serious attention from the Nunukan district government and vertical agencies, including the military, police, and port health authorities that directly monitored their medical tests.

ANTARA