Border crossing agreement between M’sia and Indonesia being finalised, says Saifuddin

Photo: Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: A new border crossing agreement between Malaysia and Indonesia is being finalised following the development of Indonesia’s new capital city, Nusantara in Kalimantan, says Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (pic).

Saifuddin said the border crossing agreement is expected to be signed when Indonesian President Joko Widodo visits Malaysia later this year.

He added that Malaysia and Indonesia are in the process of reviewing several main issues, particularly concerning security threats.

"First, it must involve cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia. Now, we are in the process of finalising a border crossing agreement.

"We are expecting that Indonesian President Jokowi visits Malaysia this year," said Saifuddin in Parliament on Wednesday (March 8).

Saifuddin was responding to a supplementary question by Roy Angau Gingkoi (GPS-Lubok Antu), who asked about steps to improve security at the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex and national assets near the Indonesian border.

Saifuddin said the ministry was currently scrutinising matters concerning accessible areas for citizens of Malaysia and Indonesia.

"When the borders are open, the flow of people between these two countries will take place. That is where there are potential threats or violations (of rules).

"Both countries are currently negotiating to finalise the entry area, where residents are allowed to be," added Saifuddin.

Saifuddin was speaking during Question Time in Parliament on Wednesday (March 8).