Federal government approves RM6 mln for ICQS in Telok Melano - Abang Johari

The federal government has approved the construction of an Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Telok Melano here, with an allocation of RM6 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan.

Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said that the permanent ICQS complex would replace the temporary border post which was built using a state government allocation totalling RM500,000.

“The construction of this permanent complex is crucial with the completion of the Pan Borneo Highway from Telok Melano division to Sematan town, which makes Telok Melano a new tourism destination and trade location between Malaysia and Indonesia,” he told reporters today.

Earlier, Abang Johari launched the temporary border post as well as the ground-breaking ceremony of Telok Melano mosque and ‘Anjung Usahawan’ located 25 kilometres from here.

He said that Telok Melano has a clean and beautiful beach and a national park would be developed in Samusang under the Bau-Lundu and Sematan tourism master plan with involvement from the private sector.

Meanwhile, Abang Johari said that the state government would provide other facilities in Telok Melano to benefit tourists, as well as clean water supply facilities for the local residents.

In addition, the state government is building the Centre of Technical Excellence (CENTEXS) Lundu branch with an allocation of RM10 million to provide more opportunities for the younger generation to increase their skills in the technical and vocational fields.

Touching on the arch built by Indonesian authorities a few metres into Malaysian soil in Telok Melano, Abang Johari said that the matter would be brought to the Foreign Ministry’s attention as it also involved foreign relations.

It will also be discussed at the Malaysia-Indonesia Socio-Economic Cooperation (Sosek Malindo) working committee level, he said.

--BERNAMA