SERIKIN: Construction of the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex (ICQS) here is scheduled to begin this year, with completion projected by 2027.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said that the Federal Government has allocated RM50 million for this initiative, which is now in its final evaluation phase.
Lee highlighted the growing need for the ICQS Serikin following the start of operations at the Babang Jagoi National Border Post (PLBN) in Indonesia.
“Once operational, ICQS Serikin will allow passport holders to cross the border, significantly boosting tourism between Malaysia and Indonesia,” he said today (Apr 30).
Currently, only residents of Bau (Sarawak) and Jagoi Babang (Indonesia) holding Border Passes are permitted to cross at the Serikin-Jagoi Babang border.
He confirmed that with the budget now disbursed, construction of the complex and a 2-kilometre access road to PLBN Babang Jagoi would commence within the year.
He also stressed the importance of ICQS Serikin meeting the high standards of the PLBN Babang Jagoi.
“I hope that relevant agencies will inspect the facilities at PLBN to guide the construction of ICQS Serikin,” he added.
According to the Sarawak Immigration Department, the PLBN sees about 1,000 visitors weekly, many of whom visit the popular Serikin Market, particularly on weekends. It provides the shortest route to Singkawang and Pontianak from Sarawak.
