from dara_for_enjoyment_only This was what I found out after I was denied boarding 👇🏾
Sabah and Sarawak maintain strict immigration autonomy under the historic Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which legally empowers both states to control their own borders independently of the federal government in Kuala Lumpur.
A Federal Malaysian visa only guarantees entry into Peninsular (West) Malaysia. For high-risk passport holders, including Nigerian citizens, the state governments of Sabah and Sarawak enforce secondary vetting layers to protect local security and manage regional migration.
In summary, all Nigerians 🇳🇬 and citizens from Bangladesh 🇧🇩 must get a state approval letter to visit East Malaysia. Your approved Malaysian visa is not enough. Even if you are allowed to fly, you will most likely be denied entry into the country.
My painful question is, “Why single out just countries out of the whole world!? WHYYYHYYY!?”
Why was it not mentioned during my application process especially when I had clearly stated my destination and attached my itinerary?
Why is it difficult to make information like this available and easily accessible?
Anyways, this post serves dual purposes: to vent and to inform.
Happy travels
Traveling as a Nigerian passport holder in Malaysia comes with unique challenges that many are unaware of until faced with them directly. The requirement for a separate state approval letter to enter Sabah and Sarawak is rooted in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which grants these East Malaysian states immigration autonomy not seen in Peninsular Malaysia. From my own experience and based on conversations with officials, this additional layer of vetting applies specifically to Nigerian and Bangladeshi nationals, considered 'high-risk' by local authorities to safeguard regional security. Before planning a trip, it’s essential to recognize that a federal Malaysian visa only allows access to West Malaysia. If your itinerary includes Sabah or Sarawak, you must apply for a distinct state approval through local state immigration departments. This process demands submitting similar documentation as the federal visa application and can be time-consuming and complex, leading to unexpected travel disruptions such as denied boarding or entry. Information on these requirements is not widely advertised or integrated into the federal visa application process, causing confusion and frustration among travelers. My boarding denial in Kuala Lumpur en route to Tawau (Sabah) highlighted a communication gap between federal and state immigration policies. It surprised me that destination details provided during visa application were inadequate to trigger awareness or verification of this requirement. For travelers from Nigeria or Bangladesh, the key takeaway is to research and confirm state-specific immigration rules well in advance. Consult Sabah and Sarawak’s official immigration websites or contact their consulates to obtain the necessary approval letter. This precaution helps avoid costly cancellations or involuntary changes in travel plans. Sharing experiences like this may encourage better transparency and improved traveler guidance moving forward. For those managing migration and security, balancing openness with protective measures is challenging but clarity benefits all parties. Ultimately, vigilance, patience, and early preparation are vital when navigating Malaysia’s multifaceted entry regulations.
