By Nur Ashikin Louis
KUCHING, Jan 22: Sarawak needs a bigger Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex at the Aruk-Biawak border point to cater for the increase of public vehicles travelling between the State and Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the Sarawak government has recently suggested having bus services between Kuching and Singkawang, Indonesia.
“Therefore, with the increase of public vehicles, we need an ICQS that is bigger and more comfortable,” he told reporters during Sarawak United Peoples’ Party (SUPP) open house in conjunction with the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration at its headquarters here today.
He further said the ICQS facilities in Biawak at the moment are far from sufficient compared to its counterpart in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The same also applied to the Entikong-Tebedu border. Due to the relaxation of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs), many vehicles enter and exit the border.
Nevertheless, he pointed out that the Sungai Tujoh ICQS in Miri, bordering Brunei Darussalam, also needs to be upgraded.
“I have visited (Sungai Tujoh ICQS) recently, and many vehicles between Miri and Brunei have to queue for two to three hours due to the lack of facilities where counters and officers at the border are not enough.
“Therefore, we need to improve all facilities at the ICQS complexes between Sarawak and Brunei as well as Sarawak and Indonesia.
“This really needs the federal government’s attention, including the security of our border,” he added.
On Jan 20, Prime Minister Dato Seri Anwar Ibrahim approved an initial RM1 billion allocation to upgrade and build better infrastructure along Sarawak and Sabah borders. — DayakDaily
