Masir inspects the guard-of-honour at GOF Sarawak headquarters.
KUCHING: New security outposts are planned to be set up at five strategic locations along the Sarawak-Kalimantan border, which will be manned by members of the General Operations Force (GOF) and the army.
According to Deputy Home Minister Datuk Masir Kujat, these locations have been identified as suspected routes for smuggling and ‘jalan tikus’ (illegal paths).
“Among the identified areas are Raso (in Lundu), Sebubok (Bau), Melikin (Serian) and Ba Kelalan near Lawas.
“We hope that these new security outposts would enable better monitoring of our borders, and also heighten the security there,” he told reporters after conducting a working visit on the GOF Sarawak headquarters at Jalan Batu Kawah here yesterday.
Masir, who is Sri Aman MP, also said the amendments to the National Border Security Agency (Aksem) Act and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota) 2015 would be tabled in the next parliamentary sitting by him and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.
“Once approved, the Act would tighten the security of our borders further, preventing the smuggling of substances such as drugs, sugar and weapons,” he said.
Masir also expressed his hope for the law to eradicate drug problems especially those happening in villages along the borders.
Meanwhile, GOF Saarwak Commander SAC Datuk Khaw Kok Chin said with regard to having more border security outposts, the plan had been finalised and should be ready for the discussion table.
“The proposal has been submitted to Bukit Aman – we hope that it could be approved soon.”
In other development, Masir said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had approved an allocation of RM500,000 for the maintenance and upgrading works on the elevators at GOF Sarawak headquarters, adding that he would also look into the similar needs at the GOF units in Sri Aman and Miri.
Sarawak deputy police commissioner Datuk Abdul Aziz Yusof accompanied Masir during the visit.