KUCHING: To strengthen security and prevent ‘tikus’ (illegal immigrants) from entering, the Sarawak government wants the number of border posts to be upgraded and increased within the state.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state is ready to work with the federal government to develop the border posts.
“We are ready, we have (the sites). But (building) the border posts come under the purview of the Ministry of Defence or the federal government.
“We don’t have the power (to build them). But we can work together with the federal government to offer the sites,” he said.
He told reporters this after officiating at the Sumbangsih Raya 2023 handover ceremony at Wisma Bapa Malaysia here yesterday.
Abang Johari said Indonesia has about 70 border posts, but Sarawak only has seven of them.
“What I am afraid of is that there are a lot of ‘jalan tikus’ (illegal trails), when you have many of these ‘jalan tikus’, then there will also be many ‘tikus’ (illegal immigrants),” he said.
He added at the Tebedu-Entikong border, the Indonesia government has upgraded its facilities, and therefore Malaysia must also do the same.
“The existing (Tebedu Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex or ICQS) may need to be relocated nearer to the border as now it is a bit far (from the border).
“So, the area between the ICQS complex and the border is a ‘no man’s land’. Thus, our people have identified a location nearer to the border, and we will upgrade the basic facilities,” he said.
“The same applies to Biawak (in Sarawak) because Indonesia’s border post in Aruk has been developed but ours has not,” he said.
Abang Johari also said another area that needs attention is Long Singut and Talak Megah in Kapit.
“So legally speaking, it is quite difficult if there is any smuggling activity, and therefore there is a need to set up the border post there.
“Meanwhile, another control post is in Ba’Kelalan where we will upgrade it,” he said.
Earlier, in his speech, Abang Johari also conveyed his appreciation to the federal government for allocating RM1 billion to upgrade the infrastructure of the ICQS at Sarawak and Sabah borders.
