LUBOK ANTU: The state government will improve facilities at Lubok Antu-Nanga Badau Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security Complex (CIQSC) including utilising new technology to curb the entry of illegal immigrants (PATI) from neighbouring countries into the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the road in the Lubok Antu area is so near to Indonesia making it easy for illegal immigrants to travel once they have crossed the border.
“After being briefed by the relevant enforcement agencies, we see that it is important that local security needs to be enhanced by improving the existing facilities and assets.
“With the Covid-19 pandemic going on now, we fear that some of the illegal immigrants might be carriers of Covid-19 into Sarawak.
“Thus the border in Lubok Antu needs to be given proper attention as it is a gateway for immigrants — legal or otherwise — to enter. The illegals, of course, use the rat trails,” he said at Lubok Antu Sports Complex during his official working visit to Lubok Antu today.
He said the rat trails such as Jalan John, Jalan Engsawang and Jalan Panjai Ruai have been identified and monitored using devices with the latest technology such as drones. We need to know and understand the movements of the illegal immigrants.
“I have approved the fund for installing street lights from Lubok Antu town all the way to the CIQSC.
“A present the area is quite dark, so the street lights will improve the security of the area making it easier to catch ‘rats’ at night,” he said, adding that he had instructed Lubok Antu District Council to install the lights immediately.
Later in a press conference, he said the state government also has good cooperation with the Indonesian government, particularly the Consulate General in Kuching in handling illegal immigrants from Kalimantan.
Also present during Abang Johari’s visit were Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar James Jemut Masing, State Secretary Datuk Amar Jaul Samion, and Batang Ai assemblyman Malcolm Mussen Lamoh.
