After breakfast, the day started to take an unpleasant turn as Roy’s first attempt at clearing us in from Penang to Langkawi didn’t go well when he was turned away by an obnoxious individual because he was wearing shorts; this has never been an issue, since dress code has always been reserved for the woman, who know to cover their knees and shoulders as a sign of respect, something that was definitely not reciprocated on this occasion. Anyway, that resulted in Roy having to dinghy all the way back to Paw Paw, change and try again. Elaine, on the other hand, was delighted to enjoy her first dinghy ride in 10 months and the views from the patio of the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club in a clean, comfy seat, with a cool breeze to keep the sweat at bay. Afterwards, a short walk secured the most important provisions we still needed, saving the best for last; booze, biltong, boerewors and droerwors, including two bottles of Laphroaig whiskey and a bottle of Jamesons. A second trip secured the wine and champagne, the latter in anticipation of a well deserved celebration. Roy was one happy bunny!
Fortunately Craig, off Il Sogno, saved Elaine a dinghy ride to drop Roy ashore, after Craig collected Roy instead and they both headed off to the local hardware shop for a few last minute bits and pieces, providing Elaine with some breathing space to tidy up Paw Paw and have a wee nap in the cool breeze of the cockpit.
Our day ended with a few cold beverages enjoyed in the company of Craig, who came aboard for a quick visit, followed by “boerewors on the braai” and topped off with some stargazing on the trampoline. Falling asleep while watching the stars through our hatches, was the confirmation that our sailing lifestyle was back at last!
On Monday we were up before dawn to get ready and head to the immigration office to request a visa extension on medical grounds, given that Elaine still had three outstanding appointments back in Penang and letters from both the doctor and the Irish Embassy explaining her conditions, the need for monitoring and her exposure risk to COVID-19 being immunocompromised. After some deliberation with the immigration officer and consultation with the Senior officers, this request was flatly denied with an explanation that: “You need to get your medical treatment in your own country”. There was absolutely no compassion for the danger Elaine would be placed in having to take a flight anywhere, but the appalling aspect was that they gave us a 30 day special pass for yacht repairs to be undertaken when Paw Paw would be hauled, the second justification we had given for our request. While we hadn’t expected to receive any extension or the 30 day special pass, in light of the prevailing attitude towards foreigners, the upsetting aspect was the fact that an extension was awarded for a yacht, rather than for the well-being, health and safety of a person. Elaine had never felt so devalued as a human being by a collection of individuals who would claim to be decent human beings. Afterwards, when the officer inquired as to whether or not we would be flying out of Malaysia and the reply was: “No”, she then asked: “Where will we go?” at which time Elaine looked her straight in the eyes and calmly shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly; there was no way in hell that Elaine was going to let them off with facing the reality of their decision, although we’d already made prior arrangements to enter Thailand, the shock written all over her face! With that, we paid for our special pass so as not to incur any penalties on departing Malaysia on an expired visa and left!
Not only was it an upsetting day for us, it was difficult to see people in tears or distraught with anxiety when they didn’t even receive the special pass, but had to leave Malaysia by no later than today or face various consequences, which ranged from fines to imprisonment to being blacklisted. It all seemed so unnecessary and unfathomable after being so gracious in their hospitality up until a week or so ago.
We had small blessings to concentrate on regardless, though; our watermaker was working, the agent in Thailand had all the documentation needed to apply for our COE (Certification of Entry) and we had a confirmation date and time of arrival to be in the quarantine anchorage on 26th April 2021 at 0700.
Yesterday was another hive of activity as the approved documentation for our COVID-19 medical insurance arrived, together with the detailed cost breakdown, which was €1000.00 cheaper than previously quoted, since other yachts would be processed on arrival at the same time as ourselves, as well as all the information we needed for the quarantine. Craig also happened to be passing by in his dinghy at the perfect time to give Roy another ride to shore to purchase a new lifering and take another trip to the hardware store. After Elaine collected Roy, we made one last trip to the grocery store; this time for all our fresh produce. A light dinner was enjoyed ashore later, followed by a phone call to Elaine’s sister in Ireland. Then, just before bedtime, we received the final document we needed from Thailand; our COE which was definitely worthy of a “victory” dance around the saloon. Our circumnavigation was back on course and we were heading to pastures new!
After clearing out at the Harbour Master, Customs and Immigration first thing this morning, this time covered from head to toe in clothing, as we’d been informed by other cruising friends that they’d been thrown out for wearing sandals, it was goodbye Malaysia. Receiving a “speech” from one immigration officer who was informing us that it still ok to clear out today as this was the mandated date for all foreigners on an expired visa to leave, created confusion and surprise when we informed him we had a special pass. The look of surprise and disbelief on his face was evident when he replied: “So you’re leaving today?”, followed by: “You have permission to enter Thailand?”, was priceless! In fact three different officers asked us the same questions; don’t think they could quite believe there ears. We were leaving without using our special pass!
After a fabulous time in Malaysia, excluding the various levels of lockdown, it was such a shame that we were forced to leave Malaysia under these circumstances, but who are we to question why!
