BA’KELALAN: Ba’Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian has called on the relevant authorities to urgently address key issues affecting the interior communities here, following his working visits to several villages and the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) complex at Buduk Nur/Long Midang.
Baru met with community leaders and residents during his engagements on July 9-10, which included cheque presentation ceremonies to Village Development and Security Committees (AJKK) in Sentral Long Sukang, Long Semadoh, and Sentral Ba’Kelalan.
He encouraged the local communities to view the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) project as a long-term opportunity for development and improved connectivity.
He also assured his readiness to assist villagers in addressing any challenges that may arise from the project, particularly with contractors or relevant agencies.
A key issue highlighted during the visit was the lack of local hiring under the SSLR Project Package 4B.
Furthermore, Baru urged the main contractor and subcontractors to take immediate steps to rectify the situation.
“As we move into Package 3, we must ensure that residents are given meaningful opportunities for work.
“This is crucial for equitable development and ensuring local communities benefit directly from major infrastructure projects.”
At the Buduk Nur/Long Midang CIQS, Baru raised security concerns over the continued operation of a temporary “joint checkpoint” on the Malaysian side, despite the CIQS facility being fully functional.
Baru also expressed alarm over reports that military personnel have been crossing the border without using the official CIQS channels, enabling the smuggling of subsidised goods and alcohol into Indonesia.
He urged federal authorities to investigate the matter and take prompt corrective measures.
“This matter must be investigated without delay to safeguard our borders and public resources.”
Baru also said that the Pas Melintas Sempadan (PMS) pass is currently limited to residents of Lawas.
He stated that many PMS holders are facing unnecessary restrictions if their permit validity is less than six months, despite such rules being intended for international passports.
He called on the Ministry of Home Affairs to engage with Indonesian authorities to standardise border regulations and exempt PMS holders from the six-month rule.
Baru also proposed that international passports be permitted at the Buduk Nur/Long Midang CIQS, following practices at the Tebedu and Biawak checkpoints.
This, he said, would facilitate smoother cross-border movement, especially with the rise in economic activity expected from the development of Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara.
On the customs front, Baru flagged the lack of internet connectivity at the CIQS as a major operational hurdle, forcing all declaration processing to be handled in Lawas.
To resolve this, he suggested installing a telecommunications tower or deploying satellite internet solutions, such as ConnectMe or Starlink, to enable on-site processing.
