PENGKALAN HULU (April 13): The Malaysian government is currently conducting a feasibility study for the proposed construction of a new Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex at Bukit Berapit, aimed at enhancing border efficiency, user convenience, and national security.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that RM2 million has been allocated for the study, which will assess the most suitable location and design for the new facility. The need for a new ICQS complex arises from the current layout, where there is a noticeable distance between the Malaysian and Thai checkpoints, creating inconvenience for travellers.
He highlighted that although the gap is less than one kilometre, travellers are required to carry their luggage across the distance after clearance, which not only affects comfort but also raises security concerns. Discussions with the Perak state government have already identified several potential sites, and the project is expected to move forward once the feasibility study is completed.
The proposed development is part of a broader effort to modernise Malaysia’s border infrastructure and ensure smoother cross-border movement, particularly at land entry points such as Pengkalan Hulu, which serves as a key gateway between Malaysia and Thailand.
Additionally, the government plans to place the Bukit Berapit ICQS under the supervision of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS). This move is intended to streamline border control operations and standardise security procedures across the country.
Saifuddin noted that AKPS is expected to gradually take over all 122 entry points nationwide, covering land, sea, and air borders. Currently, the agency has assumed control of 22 entry points, with priority given to critical locations in northern states such as Kedah and Kelantan.
The initiative builds on earlier efforts mentioned by Deputy Home Minister Shamsul Anuar Nasarah to resolve land-related issues for the project, signalling steady progress toward implementation.
This development highlights how infrastructure planning at border areas is not just about building facilities, but also about improving user experience and strengthening national security. A well-designed ICQS complex can significantly reduce inefficiencies, such as long walking distances and fragmented checkpoints, while enhancing surveillance and control. It also shows the importance of coordinated governance, as agencies like AKPS play a central role in unifying operations across multiple entry points, ensuring a more consistent and secure border management system for Malaysia.
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