LUNDU: Since the Biawak Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex reopened April last year, the number of vehicles from West Kalimantan has increased drastically.
When Malaysia entered the Covid-19 endemic phase last year, most of its borders, particularly here in Sarawak, opened and saw the movement of many people from the other side of Borneo island.
Biawak Road Transport Department (JPJ) chief Mahathir Mohamad said in 2019, JPJ recorded 13,338 multi- utility vehicles (MUV) entering Sarawak – which is the highest.
“686 vans, jeeps and 4WD vehicles were recorded passing through the border throughout that year.
“So, in that year alone, this indicated that many Indonesians passed through Biawak ICQS, but I do not know the number of people because this is under the Malaysian Immigration Department’s jurisdiction,” he said on Thursday (Jan 5).
From January to November last year, JPJ recorded 7,638 MUVs and 418 vans, jeeps and 4WD vehicles passing through Biawak ICQS.
“On average per day, there are about 30 to 40 vehicles passing through the border…most of them transporting people to hospitals or going on holiday in Kuching.
“From West Kalimantan, most of them are drivers who drive for people, families or their own neighbours who are in need of medical treatment in Kuching.
“Before they can cross the border, we have to inspect their vehicles first because they have to follow the rules and guidelines enforced by JPJ.
“We inspect the engine number, the chassis number and even the vehicle’s window,” added Mahathir.
He noted that if the windows were tinted black more than 50 per cent, they had to tear off the tint to follow Malaysian road rules.
“When the pandemic started in 2020, we were ordered to not allow vehicles from West Kalimantan to pass through Biawak ICQS, but only people were allowed to cross.
“From my personal observation, there were not many people coming into Sarawak because, whether they like it or not, they had to go through quarantine upon their arrival at the border,” he disclosed.
Since the reopening of borders and the movement of people had increased, Mahathir said this was a positive sign for both Sarawak and West Kalimantan.
“It is surely a positive sign for both countries, now that they can cross in and out of the border for the purpose of healthcare and also for holidays, which can benefit both in terms of economy.”
