KUCHING: The police post in Serikin will be upgraded into a full-fledged police station in preparation for the expected increase in cross-border movement upon the completion of the Serikin Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex.
Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Maritime), Datuk Henry Harry Jinep, said the move is both necessary and timely, given Serikin’s growing importance as a border gateway between Sarawak and Kalimantan, Indonesia.
He said the upcoming ICQS facility is expected to significantly increase the flow of people, vehicles and goods through the area, making stronger law enforcement presence essential.
“With the completion of the Serikin ICQS, a lot more people will be going in and out of the border. Therefore, upgrading the police post into a police station is a good and important move to ensure security and public order are well maintained,” he said.
He said this after attending the Mass Prayer Service at St Henry Church, Apar Singgai, near here in conjunction with Police Day.
Some 86 Christian police staff of various ranks and files from Bau District Police attended the Mass.
Henry, who is also Tasik Biru assemblyman, said the enhanced police presence would help strengthen border security, improve crime prevention efforts, facilitate traffic control, and provide quicker response in the event of emergencies or other incidents.
He added that Serikin is no longer just known for its popular weekend market but is also poised to become a more strategic economic and transit point once the border facilities are fully operational.
“As development continues and cross-border activities expand, supporting infrastructure such as a police station is crucial to ensure the area remains safe, orderly and investor-friendly,” he said.
The Serikin ICQS project is expected to spur economic growth in the border area by improving connectivity and facilitating trade, tourism and people-to-people movement between Sarawak and neighbouring Kalimantan.
With the area set to play a bigger role in regional connectivity and economic activities, the proposed police station is seen as an important step in ensuring Serikin is equipped with the necessary security and enforcement support.
The upgrading will also provide greater confidence to residents, visitors, traders and investors who are expected to benefit from Serikin’s transformation into one of Sarawak’s key border entry points.
