KUCHING, April 6: A new site, which is 1.5km between Tapak Megah in Kapit and the Indonesian border, has been identified for the proposed Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex to strengthen border security and control in Kapit Division.
Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr James Jemut Masing revealed this following a briefing on site today which was attended by Hulu Rajang MP Datuk Wilson Ugak Kumbong, Sarawak Immigration director Datu Ken Leben, Deputy Police Commissioner Datuk Fisol Salleh, General Operations Force (PGA) Sarawak Commander Mancha Ata and others.
Ken has suggested that a site closer to the Sarawak-Indonesia border is more suitable for the establishment of the CIQ in Tapak Megah instead of the current site about 20km away from the border.
“A site which is 1.5km from the border was suggested and identified by Datuk Wilson Ugak for the CIQ.
“The site where we landed which is 20km away from the border has been identified as a possible site for the PGA forward base,” Masing said in a statement today.
Since the suggested CIQ post has been levelled by the previous timber operator, Masing, who is also Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development, added that all parties in the meeting have agreed on the proposals.
“I will recommend these sites to the relevant authorities in the next border security meeting namely the Tapak Megah 1 (TM1) as possible site for PGA forward base, Tapak Megah 2 (TM2) for CIQ as well as Long Singut at Ulu Sg Baleh for border control post.
“I was informed that the Malaysian authorities have agreed to establish a border control post, CIQ and PGA forward base in Kapit Division,” he said.
He noted that there is also an Indonesian border post across the border from TM1 and 2.
Masing pointed out that facilities are of paramount importance to protect and control border-crossing activities at the border along Tapak Megah as the area is near to the Long Nawang Indonesian settlement where some 5,000 people are living.
“I will suggest these sites as measures to further strengthen our border security with Indonesia.
“This is especially crucial as in the Indonesia capital will move closer to Sarawak in 2026 to the vicinity of the Mahakam river basin. This will put Kapit Division closer to the new capital,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
