KUCHING: The RM1 billion allocation provided by the Federal Government for the development of facilities along the Malaysia-Indonesia border has yet to be fully utilised by the relevant ministries and agencies.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the allocation was intended to upgrade the entry-exit complexes between the two countries and enhance security along the Sarawak and Sabah borders with Kalimantan.
He stated that the upgrade of border facilities is in line with the development of Nusantara, particularly as President Joko Widodo has reportedly begun his duties in Indonesia's new capital.
"Yesterday, there was a discussion (regarding border development) in the National Security Council (MKN) meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Putrajaya.
"I have been instructed (by the Prime Minister) to coordinate with the Sarawak and Sabah governments and all implementing agencies to obtain detailed updates on the border facility upgrades, as not all of the RM1 billion allocation has been requested by the involved ministries," he said.
He mentioned this at the Launch of National Month and Fly the Jalur Gemilang Campaign in Sarawak here today.
Fadillah highlighted that the development of infrastructure at border entry points, alongside enhanced security measures, is essential for Malaysia to foster closer cooperation and seize opportunities from the development of Nusantara.
"Once Nusantara is fully completed, it will become a major city, and the population in the region will increase.
"Therefore, there are many opportunities we can leverage from the development of Nusantara. Even now, many citizens from the neighbouring country come to Sarawak for healthcare and education services," he added.
Meanwhile, in his speech at the event, Fadillah said the spirit of unity and patriotism should burn brightly in the hearts of every Malaysian at all times, not just during National Month celebrations.
He noted that the main challenge in fostering unity in a diverse society is the presence of those who attempt to stir up racial and religious issues.
"This is our current struggle. We must set aside differences because we are one Malaysian nation.
"We do not want Malaysia to become a divided country due to racial and religious interests, which will lead to societal discord," he said.
KUCHING : Peruntukan RM1 bilion yang disediakan Kerajaan Persekutuan untuk membangunkan semua kemudahan di sempadan Malaysia-Indonesia, masih belum dimanfaat sepenuhnya oleh kementerian dan agensi berkaitan.
Timbalan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof berkata, peruntukan itu disediakan bagi melaksanakan kerja menaik taraf kompleks keluar masuk antara dua negara serta meningkatkan aspek keselamatan di sepanjang sempadan Sarawak dan Sabah dengan Kalimantan.
Beliau berkata, kerja menaik taraf kemudahan di sempadan itu selaras dengan perkembangan pembangunan Nusantara terutama apabila Presiden Joko Widodo dilaporkan sudah mula melaksanakan tugasnya di ibu kota Indonesia yang baharu itu.
"Semalam ada perbincangan (berkaitan pembangunan sempadan) dalam Mesyuarat Majlis Keselamatan Negara (MKN) yang dipengerusikan Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim di Putrajaya.
"Saya diarahkan (oleh Perdana Menteri) untuk bersama kerajaan Sarawak dan Sabah serta semua agensi pelaksana bagi mendapatkan kemaskini terperinci pelaksanaan kerja menaik taraf kemudahan sempadan itu kerana belum semua peruntukan RM1 bilion itu dipohon oleh kementerian terbabit," katanya.
Beliau berkata demikian ketika ditemui pada Majlis Pelancaran Bulan Kebangsaan dan Kibae Jalur Gemilang Peringkat Sarawak, di sini, hari ini.
Fadillah berkata, pembangunan infrastruktur di pintu masuk sempadan selain peningkatan aspek keselamatan perlu dalam usaha Malaysia untuk menjalin kerjasama lebih erat sekali gus merebut peluang daripada pembangunan Nusantara.
"Apabila Nusantara siap sepenuhnya, ia akam menjadi bandar raya utama sekali gus jumlah penduduk di wilayah itu akan turut bertambah.
"Justeru, banyak ruang dan peluang yang boleh kita manfaatkan dari pembangunan Nusantara itu dan sekarang pun ramai rakyat negara jiran itu datang ke Sarawak untuk mendapatkan perkhidmatan kesihatan serta pendidikan," katanya.
Sementara itu, ketika berucap pada majlis berkenaan berkata, semangat perpaduan dan cintakan negara harus berkobar dalam jiwa setiap rakyat Malaysia sepanjang masa bukan pada sambutan Bulan Kebangsaan sahaja.
Menurutnya, cabaran utama untuk mengeratkan perpaduan masyarakat majmuk kini ialah wujudkan pihak yang cuba membangkitkan isu kaum dan agama.
"Inilah perjuangan yang kita kini. Kita harus mengenepikan perbezaan kerana kita adalah bangsa Malaysia.
"Kita tidak manu Malaysia menjadi negara berpecah-belah disebabkan kepentingan kaum dan agama masing masing yang akan menimbulkan perselisihan masyarakat," katanya.