KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia and Indonesia have agreed to open more than 10 new border entry points along the Kalimantan-Sabah-Sarawak border, following Indonesia’s plan to relocate its capital to East Kalimantan, said Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said that as an initial step, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had announced an allocation of RM1bil to facilitate the development of the identified border entry points.
"The Kalimantan-Sabah-Sarawak border issue arises following Indonesia’s proposed relocation of its capital. So what is our response? Both countries have agreed to open several new entry points.
"I can’t recall the exact number, but it’s more than 10,” he said at a press conference after the Intan Minister's Conversation (IMC) 2025 programme themed "Our Nation, Security Is a Shared Responsibility” held at the National Institute of Public Administration (Intan) here Tuesday (July 8).
Also present were Public Service deputy director-general (development) Datuk Dr Mohd Bakhari Ismail, Home Ministry secretary-general Datuk Awang Alik Jeman, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay and Intan director Datuk Dr Mohd Zabri Yusoff.
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Saifuddin Nasution said the entry points would only be opened once a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is finalised, with the relevant ministries and agencies each playing their role, including building basic infrastructure such as access roads and communication towers.
"For the Communications Ministry, the most basic requirement is placing communication towers … otherwise, how can Immigration operate if there’s no coverage?” he said.
He said the border stretches over 300km and the opening of new entry points would lead to increased people mobility and economic spillover. - Bernama
