Rep: Joint checkpoint at Buduk Nur/Long Midang area raises security concerns
MIRI (July 15): The continued operation of a 'joint checkpoint' on the Malaysian side of the border in the Buduk Nur/Long Midang area in northern Sarawak is raising security concerns, said Ba Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian.
'This is despite the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, and Security (CIQS) complex there being fully operational,' he said in a statement today in connection with his recent engagements in his constituency, which included a visit to the complex.
He added that the joint-checkpoint issue was among the concerns raised by the local community, which he deemed as in need of urgent attention.
'I raised this issue in the recent DUN (State Legislative Assembly) sitting, and reiterated it during my visit on July 10, accompanied by Pengulu Udan Meru and the village headmen.
'The joint-checkpoint remains active, pending orders from the higher authorities.
'I urge its immediate dismantling to mitigate security risks,' said Baru.
Additionally, he said there were reports of military personnel crossing the border without going through the CIQS, possibly facilitating the smuggling of subsidised goods and alcohol into Indonesia.
'This issue requires urgent investigation and resolution.'
Baru also highlighted another immigration-related situation, where only Lawas locals could cross into Indonesia via the CIQS using the 'Cross-Border Pass' (PMS), while Indonesians from Kalimantan could enter Malaysia on the same permit.
'However, Malaysian PMS holders face restrictions if the permit's validity is less than six months, a rule typically applied to international passports but inappropriate for PMS.
'I urge the Ministry of Home Affairs to have some understanding with their Indonesian counterpart to have standardised regulations, exempting PMS from the six-month validity rule.
'Furthermore, I propose allowing international passports at the CIQS, as practised at Biawak and Tebedu – where both PMS and international passports are used – to accommodate increasing cross-border traffic, particularly with the development of Indonesia's new capital, Nusantara, nearby,' said the assemblyman.
On the customs front, Baru said the lack of Internet connectivity at the CIQS complex in the Buduk Nur/Long Midang area had forced the declarations to be processed in Lawas instead, causing inconvenience.
'I urge the authorities to erect telecommunications tower or at least a 'ConnectMe' or 'Starlink' system at the CIQS to enable on-site declaration processing to enhance efficiency.
'I call on the relevant authorities to address these issues promptly to ensure the well-being of the communities in Ba Kelalan, and the effective operation of the CIQS in the Buduk Nur/Long Midang area,' he stressed. Baru Bian buduk nur joint checkpoint
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