KUCHING: The revival of the Sarawak Rangers and Sarawak Border Scouts would certainly help in enforcing border security, particularly with the upcoming relocation of Indonesia’s capital from Java to Kalimantan.
Parti Rakyat Sarawak vice president Datuk Liwan Lagang on Thursday had urged the state government to revive the two groups.
Political analyst Prof Dr Jeniri Amir said that the revival would be beneficial, but more importantly, the state government would have to reinforce the border.
“They should put more security posts along the border at various strategic locations,” he said, adding that there is bound to be a lot of mobility.
In terms of government officers alone, Jeniri said that there would be an influx of 1.5 million.
“This means that the current population will increase multifold. Of course on the other side, Indonesia is going to strengthen their security.”
Sarawak Community Policing Association chairman Datuk John Lau sounded that although the shifting of Indonesia’s capital to Kalimantan would result in tremendous economic growth for Sarawak and Sabah, the issue of security would need to be well-managed.
“There is 2,019.5km of border separating Kalimantan and Borneo. To prevent the growth of cross-border crimes, the government needs to reinforce cross-border security check points,” he emphasised.
Lau mentioned that trans-border crimes may include the transfer of criminal activities from one nation to another, a spill effect of loosening the border for purpose of development.
He further said that illegal imports of animals such as dogs may lead to the spread of the rabies disease which has been a major concern of authorities over the past months.
“The reinforcement of security units in Sarawak and Sabah would enable good cross-border trade.
“SCPA foresees that in the coming years, the key government agencies will reinforce control and regulate the flow of people and goods across the border.
“Airlines, shipping companies, border local authorities, international business companies and individuals need to take precautions to ensure continued peace and security in Sarawak,” he said.
State Reform Party president Lina Soo said the suggestion made by Liwan was an excellent one, even suggesting to replace non-Sarawakian defence forces with Sarawakians.
The Sarawak Rangers were a para-military force founded in 1862 by the second White Rajah of Sarawak, Charles Anthony Brooke. Their key role was to protect Sarawak’s borders.
Upon the formation of Malaysia in 1963, the Sarawak Rangers became a part of the Royal Ranger Regiment.
Meanwhile, the Sarawak Border Scouts group, formed in 1963, was dissolved in 1974 after peace was established in the state following an agreement signed between the state government and the North Kalimantan Communist Party.
