BAU: People crossing the Sarawak-Kalimantan border via Kampung Serikin will enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted passage in both directions not long from now.
Presently a 2.2km road is being built to connect the village to the border.
Transport Deputy Minister and Tasik Biru assemblyman, Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, said if weather conditions remain favourable, the project, involving the construction of a bridge and five culverts, is set for completion by May next year.
“The project commenced in May this year with a budget of RM5 million,” he said while assessing the project’s progress on-site yesterday.
He was joined on the visit by representatives from the Public Works Department (PWD), Bau District Office and local community leaders.
He expressed satisfaction with the pace of progress and was optimistic that it would be completed within the planned timeline.
“Currently, the contractor is engaged in earthworks, and with favourable weather conditions, we anticipate that the construction process can be accelerated,” he said.
Upon the project’s completion, he said it would not only facilitate smoother travel for both tourists and residents but would also generate significant positive impacts, particularly for the local tourism, health industry, and trade sectors.
Henry said the ongoing project’s scope concluded at the location adjacent to the military camp, situated approximately 600 metres away from the Kalimantan border, where the proposed RM50mil Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Station (ICQS) would be sited.
The remaining 600-metre stretch from the current site to the border is anticipated to be developed as part of Phase Two of the project, which will be executed parallel with the ICQS, he added.
He said PWD is currently in the process of finalising the consultant for the ICQS.
Henry expressed optimism for the prompt initiation of the ICQS project in Serikin, adding: “The ICQS on the Kampung Jagoi Babang on the Indonesian side was finalised a year ago. Nevertheless, its operational launch depends on the completion of ours here before they can commence their operations.”
Henry said the implementation of the ICQS would lead to an increase in tourists and visitors to Sarawak, especially in Kuching. This is due to the fact that the route would be the shortest and most convenient for travellers from Pontianak in West Kalimantan to access Kuching.
“This development holds significant promise for the local health and tourism sectors, as well as fostering trade between Sarawak and Kalimantan. Undoubtedly, the project’s advantages will extend far beyond the local community, encompassing benefits for the entire state.”
The transformation is set to establish Bau as a pivotal transit hub, necessitating the expansion of dining options, accommodation, eateries, hotels, and shopping malls, to accommodate the growing influx of visitors.
On a separate development, Henry urged the relevant authorities to address the requirement for electricity and treated water supply for the residents living along the road that leads to the border.
“This encompasses the military camp, which presently relies on generators for their power supply.” he added.
