BA’KELALAN: Ba’Kelalan State Assemblyman Baru Bian has called on the government to act swiftly on a range of pressing issues affecting his constituency, particularly those concerning Native Customary Rights (NCR) land, local employment, and the efficiency and security of the Buduk Nur/Long Midang CIQS (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, and Security) complex.
Following visits to Sentral Ba’ Kelalan, Long Sukang, and Long Semadoh from July 9 to 10, where he handed out grants to Village Development and Security Committee (AJKK) members and met local leaders, Baru Bian said he heard firsthand the concerns of villagers who feel increasingly sidelined by development and bureaucracy.
He said among the most serious issues raised were the villagers’ deep concerns over NCR land affected by the Sarawak-Sabah Link Road (SSLR) project. Many claims for compensation, he said, have been rejected by the Land and Surveys Department because of technicalities related to legal definitions of NCR land.
“The Federal Court’s ruling in the ‘TR Sandah’ case has created a rigid definition—only land cultivated before January 1, 1958, is recognised. This does not reflect the understanding of the indigenous communities, who have relied on adat (customary law) for generations to define land ownership,” he stated.
He described this legal stance as “illogical to the simple-minded native people in the interior of Sarawak” and urged the government to consider ex-gratia payments for those whose claims are rejected, as a compassionate recognition of traditional land claims.
Encouraged the community to look at the SSLR project as a potential economic opportunity and assured villagers, Baru Bian said that he would assist them in resolving any issues with contractors or government authorities.
Another issue he raised was the lack of job opportunities for locals under Package 4B of the SSLR.
“Community leaders are concerned that foreigners are being employed over local residents. I urge the main contractor and subcontractors to give priority to locals,” he said, adding that recruitment for Package 3 must provide meaningful employment to people from the area.
He expressed alarm over ongoing security and immigration problems at the Buduk Nur/Long Midang border. Despite the CIQS being operational, a “joint checkpoint” on the Malaysian side remains in use, which he said is not only redundant but also poses security risks.
“I raised this issue during the last State Assembly sitting. The checkpoint is still active because of delays from higher authorities. It needs to be dismantled immediately,” he said.
He further highlighted troubling reports of military personnel crossing into Indonesia through unofficial routes, allegedly contributing to the smuggling of subsidised goods and alcohol. He urged authorities to launch an urgent investigation and called for improvements to the immigration and customs procedures at the CIQS.
He pointed out the inconsistencies in the use of the cross-border travel permit known as PAS Melintas Sempadan (PMS), saying Malaysia enforces a six-month validity rule not required by Indonesia. He urged both governments to align their regulations and exempt PMS holders from this rule.
He then roposed allowing international passports to be used at the CIQS as is already the case at Biawak and Tebeduto help manage increasing border traffic, especially with Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, being developed nearby.
There is a lack of internet connectivity at the CIQS, which forces customs declarations to be done in Lawas which causes unnecessary delays and suggested the authorities to install a telecommunication tower or provide satellite internet such as ConnectMe or Starlink to ensure services can be handled on-site.