KUCHING: The possible influx of illegal immigrants into the state must be treated seriously as it can threaten the state’s sovereignty and spark fears and worries among the people.
Dr Johnical Rayong Ngipa (BN-Engkilili), in debating the Yang di-Pertua Negeri’s address, opined that such fears and worries were well founded as illegal immigrants were often associated with crimes and social problems.
“This is especially rampant in areas and towns next to the country’s border.”
He applauded the call by Tun Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud that the monitoring and use of manpower be done properly to effectively deal with the problem.
Entikong, Serikin, Lubok Antu and Engkilili, he said, were among small border towns where weekend markets were normally held and thus required more security.
“I suggest there should be more enforcement and more security personnel placed at border check points in Lubok Antu.”
The General Operations Force, he suggested, should be mobilised to patrol the state’s borders with Kalimantan as a way to stop the flow of illegal immigrants.
On another matter, Rayong applauded the request made by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem for an additional RM500 million to build roads, water and electricity supply in rural areas.
He hoped that projects that were delayed in the 10th Malaysia Plan would be continued in the 11th Malaysia Plan (11MP).
“This (11MP) will be the last of such plans before we achieve the developed high income nation status by 2020.”
Meanwhile, Rayong also emphasised the need to construct a connecting bridge from Mario and Merebong in Lubok Antu to Engkilili town.
He also hoped for the construction of a new suspension bridge crossing the Batang Ai river in Engkilili to replace the existing dilapidated bridge, which is used daily by students in that area.