Tebedu ICQS in need of urgent upgrading, says Masing
THE upgrading plan of Tebedu Immi g r a t i on , C u s t oms , Quarantine and Security ( ICQS) complex, which was announced by former deputy prime minister on Dec 28, last year during his visit to the area, is in dire need of realisation.
Two committees have been set up to review the upgrading plan by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Deputy Chief Minister II Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Jemut Masing, who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development and Transportation, in his ministry’s winding- up speech yesterday, said a p aper had been submitted to the Cabinet for the provision of the facility.
“The de c i sion on j oint financing between the federal and the Sarawak governments was agreed upon by the chief minister in 2017 on a 50- 50 basis,” said Masing, adding that the works would be implemented in stages.
However, due to the change of federal government and its policies, the proposal was subject to further deliberation by the federal government.
On the ICQS Entikong complex in Kalimantan, Indonesia, Masing said it has modern facilities and is highly advanced compared with the existing Tebedu ICQS.
“Facilities in Sarawak should be on par with or better than those in neighbouring Indonesia. Thus, we urge the federal government to consider and hasten the upgrading of Tebedu ICQS, which is one of international entry points for Indonesians into Sarawak and vice-versa,” he added.
The upgrading of the Tebedu ICQS would also help to revive the Tebedu Inland Port, while fostering cross- border trade and tourism between Indonesia and Malaysia, and in particular, Sarawak.
On another note, Masing said he was concerned with the safety and security features at border posts between Sarawak and Kalimantan.
“It is high time to look into them seriously to prevent our territory from being encroached into by illegal immigrants doing illegal activities. Well- connected road network in the border region of Sarawak for easy access and to prevent unwanted activities along the border, is also important” he added.
S a r awa k P ubl i c Works Department ( JKR), he added, had been entrusted to carry out the early planning and design of the proposed Border Security Road project, which is essential to protect Sarawak’s important assets such as the Batang Ai, Bakun, Murum, and later Baleh hydro- electricity dams.