Padang besar: The Wang Kelian Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) near Padang Besar, which has been closed since November 23, has reopened based on current needs but is only temporarily limited to residents of Kampung Wang Kelian.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Perlis State Secretary Datuk Rahimi Ismail stated that the entry and exit controls are restricted to the travel of the villagers only. This decision aligns with the recommendation from the Public Works Department (JKR) to temporarily close the Bukit Wang Kelian route.

In this regard, Rahimi mentioned that the Wang Kelian route with Wang Prachan, Thailand, will operate as a free flow to facilitate local residents in obtaining daily supplies. "For the time being, travel from Wang Prachan is only limited to Kampung Wang Kelian three-way intersection, which is before the SJR (Road Block) while travel to Wang Prachan is only open to residents of Kampung Wang Kelian," he explained to reporters.

He further elaborated that the opening of the route was the result of discussions with the Malaysian Immigration Department (JIM) in Perlis, the Perlis State Economic Planning Division (BPEN), and the National Security Council (MKN), which considered the requests of local residents and current needs.

For the record, landslides at eleven locations along the main route connecting Wang Kelian to Wang Prachan occurred during the floods in Perlis at the end of November, resulting in the closure of the Wang Kelian ICQS Complex and the road leading to Wang Kelian.

Rahimi also clarified that the road leading to Wang Kelian has been reopened with the number of vehicles being controlled by the Public Works Department and police to prevent congestion and ensure the safety of road users as road repair work is ongoing. "However, the entry of vehicles for emergency purposes is not an obstacle and is allowed at any time," he added.