‘Urgent and important’: Serikin border complex fast-tracked for 2027 completion, says minister

BAU, Sept 21 — Construction of the RM43.66 million Serikin Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex has recorded 11.23 per cent physical progress as of yesterday and is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak) Datuk Mustapha Sakmud said the border security project under the National Security Council (MKN) was placed in the ‘urgent and important’ category for fast-track implementation.

“This project is also among the matters discussed in the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) Implementation Action Meeting as well as the MA63 Technical Committee Council.

“This is important. It is among the government’s efforts to ensure border projects can be upgraded so that we can safeguard the country’s sovereignty, especially in Sabah and Sarawak,” he told reporters after conducting a working visit to the project site here today.

The construction project includes the main building and inspection counters, four units of quarters, a surau, a canteen, a guardhouse, as well as mechanical and electrical services.

Commenting on the challenges of the project, Mustapha said logistics, road construction and the provision of electricity, water and telecommunications services needed to be given special attention to avoid operational delays once the building was completed.

Meanwhile, Mustapha, who also visited the border control post (PKS) project site in Telok Melano-Temajuk, said the project was in the final phase of the tender process for the appointment of a contractor before the issuance of the Letter of Acceptance (SST).

He said the PKS was expected to be completed in another two years.

“Do not consider projects involving national security as ordinary projects. This is actually what needs to be understood by all agencies, departments, ministries, contractors and other parties involved in this project,” he said. — Bernama