KUCHING – A shortage of funds and manpower, as well as implementation delays in projects, have hampered Malaysia’s border security with Indonesia in Borneo island, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili said.
These problems must be addressed before Indonesia relocates its capital city to the east coast of Borneo in Kalimantan, he said in a statement today.
“After listening to security briefings by the immigration, police, and Sarawak State Security Council, we found out that delayed projects, insufficient funds and lack of manpower are among the problems faced by our security forces at the borders, in addition to their existing challenges.”
Ongkili’s statement is part of his four-day official visit to Tebedu, the entry point in Malaysia from Pontianak, Indonesia.
He said these issues will be brought to the Home Affairs Ministry for immediate action.
“We were made to understand that the Indonesia government has acted on security borders, ahead of their capital move, and we should do so, too, immediately.
“We cannot wait…there will be heavier traffic once construction of the new capital takes place,” he said.
Ongkili visited the Tebedu Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security checkpoint, as well as the General Operations Force Police Borders Post at Kg Sapit. – The Vibes, September 19, 2022
