UPGRADING IMMIGRATION
2 task forces to study need to upgrade Tebedu ICQS complex
DEPUTY Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi yesterday announced the setting up of two task forces to conduct a study on the need to upgrade or replace the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex here.
Zahid said the move came a month after the 12th Annual Consultation Malaysia and Indonesia meeting, in which both nations had agreed to improve security, boost bilateral trade and tourism at the Sarawak-West Kalimantan border.
One of the task forces, said Zahid, would be jointly chaired by him and Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Abang Openg. The other task force, he said, would coordinate technical matters and would be headed by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.
“The task forces will look into ways how the facilities at the Tebedu ICQS can be improved and upgraded to be on par with the nearby integrated cross-border post in Entikong, West Kalimantan.
“We believe that by upgrading or replacing the Tebedu ICQS with a new facility, we can help increase the performance of the 10 agencies stationed at the complex.
“Apart from enhancing border security, we are also looking into maximising the use of other facilities, such as the inland port here or in Kuching, to boost trade activities, including tourism,” Zahid, who is also home minister, said, after conducting a working visit to the ICQS here yesterday.
Abdul Rahman Zohari, Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Richard Riot, who is also Serian member of parliament, and Nur Jazlan were present.
Also present were Immigration Department director-general Datuk Seri Mustafar Ali, Customs Department director-general Datuk Seri Subromaniam Tholasy and Sarawak Police Commissioner Datuk Seri Amer Awal.
The task force on technical matters, to be led by Nur Jazlan, has been given two weeks to conduct the study and propose whether to upgrade or build a new ICQS here.
The proposal will be deliberated on by the task force jointly chaired by Zahid and Abdul Rahman Zohari before it is tabled during the National Economic Council meeting, to be chaired Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
“The proposal will then be presented to the cabinet. I believe the whole process can be completed within 60 days.”
Zahid said the project to upgrade or build a new ICQS complex here would be jointly funded via a smart partnership programme between the Federal Government and the state administration.
“I would like to announce that the state government has agreed to fund 50 per cent of the cost incurred under this smart partnership. I hope this win-win situation will hasten our effort to upgrade or rebuild the Tebedu ICQS.”