Bukit berapit: The proposed construction of a new Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex in Bukit Berapit is currently at the feasibility study stage, as announced by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He mentioned that RM2 million has been allocated for the feasibility study of the new complex, which aims to offer greater comfort to tourists and users, while also enhancing security control.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Home Minister highlighted that the Bukit Berapit ICQS in Pengkalan Hulu is particularly unique due to the distance between the Thai checkpoint and the Malaysian side. Although the distance is less than one kilometer, the current setup requires people to drag their luggage between checkpoints, posing certain security issues. Several potential locations have been discussed with the Perak government, and the need for a new facility has been acknowledged. The Home Minister emphasized the importance of conducting the feasibility study promptly to expedite the project’s implementation.

The announcement was made during a press conference following a visit and inspection of Malaysia-Thailand border control operations at the Bukit Berapit ICQS. The Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director-general, Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, was also present at the event.

Last year, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah stated that the Home Ministry was addressing land-related issues for the new Bukit Berapit ICQS construction. Meanwhile, Saifuddin Nasution revealed plans to place the Bukit Berapit ICQS operations under AKPS supervision to streamline the security control system.

AKPS is set to eventually manage up to 122 entry points nationwide, encompassing sea, land, and air. The Home Minister noted that Pengkalan Hulu would eventually come under AKPS’s jurisdiction. The timeline for AKPS’s takeover will depend on the availability of sufficient human resources, infrastructure, and other requirements, as finalized by the AKPS director-general.

Currently, AKPS is prioritizing critical national border entry points, including those in Kedah and Kelantan. To date, AKPS has taken over control of 22 of the country’s 122 border entry points.