BAU: The Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Serikin near here, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 or early 2027.
Deputy Minister for Transport Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the Public Works Department (JKR) is currently coordinating with consultants to design the complex in accordance with the requirements set by the Home Ministry (KDN).
“We expect to sit down for value engineering sessions soon to evaluate the project’s overall valuation and ensure it stays within the RM50 million budget cap.
“This budget is allocated to ensure all necessary facilities are provided,” he said.
He was speaking to reporters after officiating the e-duit Campaign @ Serikin held at Balai Raya, Kampung Serikin today (May 19).
Harry, who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman, added that design will include essential features such as dedicated lanes for buses, commercial vehicles, private cars and motorcycles to mitigate congestion, particularly during holidays.
He said these basic facilities are crucial in avoiding traffic issues that have plagued other border crossings such as those in Miri, Lawas and Limbang.
“Serikin is expected to be a major border crossing between Sarawak and Indonesia, and if it becomes congested, people will not use it. This defeats its purpose,” he added.
He said the tender process for the Serikin ICQS Complex is slated for September, with its construction expected to start by early 2025.
Henry expressed confidence that a competent contractor could complete the project within two years to allow the ICQS complex to be operational by early 2027 at the latest.
“We cannot afford delays, as the other side of the border is already complete and up to high standards. We must match or exceed those standards,” he said.
Also present were Bank Negara Malaysia officer Irman Din, Merchantrade deputy chief commercial officer Ivan Alias, and Bau District officer Constantine Gerald David Jonas.
