KUALA LUMPUR: The RM1bil allocated to expedite the border development in Sabah and Sarawak has been channeled to the two states.
Constructions of the Immigration, Customs and Quarantine Complex (ICQS) as well as security posts have begun, the Dewan Rakyat was told on Tuesday (Oct 10).
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the construction of all 17 projects for border development purposes - eight in Sabah (RM82.2mil) and nine in Sarawak (RM88.2mil) - had started.
“Actually, the projects for the RM1bil have started. The allocation was approved this year and the work has already begun.
“I agree that we are a little behind due to some delays. (The RM1bil allocation this year was given) after we considered how fast Indonesia is in its border development (in Kalimantan) while we are a little behind.
“Because of that, we have asked for (the projects) to be fast-tracked.
“I want to highlight here that the RM1bil is for 2023, which means the relevant ministries were asked to expedite (the projects),” he told the Lower House here.
Anwar said this in response to Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan (GRS-Keningau), who asked for an explanation on claims that the RM1bil allocation had yet to be channeled in full, adding that the delay is causing Malaysia to be left behind in the border development in Borneo.
