IPOH: The Perak government must ensure that border security and sovereignty are prioritised before planning any economic or commercial development in the vicinity of the proposed Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex at Bukit Berapit in Pengkalan Hulu, says Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad.
The Mentri Besar said the announcement of the complex has been announced by the Federal Government under the 2025 Budget, and is expected to be implemented under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
He said the construction of the new complex located closer to the border checkpoint, is expected to resolve security issues involving border access, and in directly creating opportunities for economic development in the surrounding areas.
“The state government will continue to support and collaborate with various parties, whether government agencies or private sectors, to encourage the growth of multiple economic sectors in the Pengkalan Hulu area.
“This is in line with several development plans such as the State Structure Plan, District Local Plan, and the Malaysia-Thailand International Border Study,” he said when replying to a question asked by Mohamad Amin Roslan (PN- Pengkalan Hulu) at the Perak State Assembly sitting on Friday (April 18).
Mohamad Amin asked about redevelopment plans of the border town and inland port in Pengkalan Hulu, as it has a border checkpoint, and is the only inland port in the state where investments entering through this border checkpoint are estimated to be worth billions.
He wanted to know what is the state government's commitment to accelerating the redevelopment of the border stalls and the Inland Port in Pengkalan Hulu.
He also asked about the state’s commitment to accelerating the development of this only border town in the state of Perak.
Saarani added among the initiatives is a collaboration with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) on the Border Tourism Trail Development project in Pengkalan Hulu.
He said the collaboration would see the upgrading of the Tasik Takong, Kroh hotspring and Bukit Berapit.
He said these upgrades are expected to begin in the first quarter of this year, and are expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2026.
“We anticipate that these upgrades will support the tourism sector in Pengkalan Hulu, and encourage the influx of tourists from Thailand.
“This will create opportunities for local residents to earn income through businesses in the area,” he added.
Saarani added that the state government is fully committed to the redevelopment of the Border Stalls and Inland Port in Pengkalan Hulu, which is believed to be a catalyst for economic development in the district.
He said several engagement sessions between relevant state and federal government agencies have been conducted, and would continue to ensure that the development aligns with the needs and demands of stakeholders.
“The redevelopment of the Border Stalls and broader border economic development plans will continue to be refined from time to time, taking into account all necessary factors including security, the socio-economic well-being of the local population, current policies and regulations of relevant agencies, the tourism ecosystem, and more.
"This development proposal also requires careful consideration from all parties regarding the cost of investment and the expected returns, whether for local residents, industry players, or the state government,” he added.
