BUKIT KAYU HITAM: Phase One of the new Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex here will be fully operational on Nov 1, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
He said for now, the Phase One of the complex will only be opened to heavy vehicles entering or leaving Thailand and Malaysia.
Zahid announced this after chairing the high-level committee meeting on ICQS. He said the 20-hour border operation, slated to begin this month, will also start on Nov 1.
“This is my third visit to the complex and so far, I am satisfied with the progress." he said, adding that for the time being, five border security agencies will move to the new complex to handle the volume of heavy vehicles expected at the Heavy Vehicle Complex (HVC).
Zahid said the HVC covered 60 per cent of the Phase One component while the remaining 40 per cent involved the Light Vehicle Complex (LVC), operation and administrative offices and public amenities.
The new HVC will also be equipped with double security inspection lanes and enforcement application including cargo’s scanning machine, weighbridge, cold room and quarantine facilities for livestock and plants.
“Previously, there was a 700-day delay and the visit showed that the government is serious in overcoming the setback and ensure that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s vision to make Malaysia a logistic hub a reality,” he said.
Also present were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai and Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Johari Baharom and Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed.
Zahid said the Northern Gateway Infrastructure Sdn Bhd is expected to hand over the complex to the government on Oct 31.
He said in the meeting today, the committee also discussed the workforce, logistics and security issues at the complex once it is operational for 24 hours by Jan 1, next year.
Today’s visit was the third by Zahid since April after the government solved the prolonged dispute between two companies which formed a consortium to develop the project. The dispute caused the project to be delayed for almost two years.
“The committee will meet here again on Nov 1 to make sure that everything runs smoothly, without any defect.” he said.