DUN Sarawak: ICQS Biawak was evaluated in the border master plan

KUCHING, Oct 15: Proposals to upgrade Biawak Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex will be evaluated through the Sarawak Border Area Development Master Plan study which is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industries and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the study took into account the strategic importance of the border area of Sarawak following Indonesia's decision to move its capital to Nusantara, East Borneo.

"This master plan aims to transform the Sarawak border area from a suburb into a strategic gateway for trade, investment and connectivity, as well as enhance security.

"After completion, the results and findings of the study will be thoroughly examined to identify suitable projects to be implemented in phases based on priorities, needs and readiness for project implementation, subject to relevant allocations and approvals", he said.

He said this while answering a question of the Member of the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Opar, Billy Sujang on the planning and timing of implementation of project upgrading ICQS Biawak at the 19th Sarawak State Legislative Assembly (DUN) Conference today.

According to Abdul Karim, the proposal to upgrade Biawak ICQS Complex was also taken into consideration and included in the scope of the study.

"In addition to upgrading the facilities and infrastructure of ICQS, the study also took into account recommendations and initiatives related to development and improvement of socio-economic status in Biawak region", he said.