BY ARIANA FIDELIA
MIRI: The Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) complexes in Tebedu, Sarawak, and Kalabakan, Sabah, have been prioritised for upgrades.
Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, stated that this priority was set following Indonesia’s plan to relocate its capital to Nusantara, a new city planned on the east coast of Borneo.
“Given the strategic importance of these locations along the Sarawak-Sabah border and the upcoming establishment of Nusantara, we are committed to developing these complexes to meet efficiency and security standards.
“The ICQS complexes in Tebedu and Kalabakan are our priority for upgrades.
“They are expected to streamline cross-border movement and trade, and enhance security and economic activities in the region,” he said at a press conference in conjunction with the Inauguration Ceremony of Baitul Mahabbah at the Bekenu Immigration Depot here today.
Additionally, Saifuddin revealed that the improvements to the complexes would also include the expansion and modernisation of facilities, including Immigration, Customs, road construction and the deployment of additional police and security personnel.
He explained that these initiatives were expected to facilitate smoother and safer transit between Malaysia and Indonesia’s new capital, as well as foster economic and social integration in the region.
Previously, Indonesian President Joko Widodo approved the government’s decision to relocate the capital from Jakarta to Nusantara, approximately 870 miles north of the current location.
The proposed relocation aims to address issues of overpopulation and environmental concerns in Jakarta.
Nusantara was chosen as the new location due to its strategic position near the sea and low risk of natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
