Revitalising Tebedu Inland Port

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Drastic drop in cross-border trade after imposition of restriction by Indonesia, ministry seeks to ease new ruling

Mustapa arrives at Tebedu Inland Port for his fact-finding mission on bilateral trade issues at the Entikong-Tebedu border. He is accompanied by (from left) Julaihi, Awang Tengah and Manyin. — Photo by Muhammad Rais Sanusi

TEBEDU: The Ministry of International Trade and Industry plans to revitalise cross- border trade in Tebedu and Entikong in West Kalimantan, which has been badly affected by Indonesian new trade policies.

Under Indonesia’s new trade regulations, import of some goods and household items from Malaysia across the border are barred.

Before the imposition of the new regulation there was no trade restriction but now cross-border trade has been limited to about 600 household items and goods.

International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed will meet his Indonesian counterpart Rahmat Gobel next Monday in Jakarta to discuss ways to liberalise cross-border trade between Sarawak and West Kalimantan.

Yesterday, Mustapa visited Entikong where he was briefed on the situation at the border checkpoint by relevant authorities from both sides of the border including the National Border Management Authority for Entikong.

In the evening, the minister was scheduled to meet West Kalimantan governor Drs Cornelis MH in Pontianak.

Mustapa said trade across the Entikong-Tebedu border had decreased drastically after Indonesia imposed the new trade regulations.

He said the trade volume between Entikong and Tebedu totalled RM395 million last year, a 45 per cent drop from the RM713 million recorded in 2013.

As of March this year, border trade registered RM27 million.

“Indonesia’s new enforcement policies had affected border trade activities between Entikong and Tebedu. We are currently in discussion on this matter, while respecting Indonesian trade laws, to strengthen bilateral trade.

“On a positive note, both the Malaysian and Indonesian governments have agreed to resolve this issue. Most importantly, the resolution must be a win-win situation for all,” he told a press conference held at Tebedu Inland Port following the fact finding mission at Entikong.

Also present were Industrial Development Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, his assistant minister Datuk Julaihi Narawi, Tebedu assemblyman Datuk Sri Michael Manyin Jawong (who is also Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications) and Kuching Port Authority chairman Datuk Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah.

Mustapa said easing trade regulations was part of the push by Asean Economic Community this year to achieve regional economic integration.

He added that during the 21st Asean Economic Ministers’ Retreat in Kota Bharu last month, attending ministers pledged to increase investment, reduce trade restrictions and create a standard international trade regulation among Asean member countries.

Mustapa hoped more development could be achieved by the end of the year.

“It is important to strengthen the border trade agreement and re-establish trade activities between Entikong and Tebedu. Both these areas can grow together and become an international trade gateway. This will enhance ties of both countries and its people,” he said.