PONTIANAK – Malaysian government is ready to enhance the capacity of Tebedu Land Port, Sarawak, Malaysia having border with Entikong, Sanggau Regency, West Kalimantan following Indonesian government’s plan to construct an international port at the region.
“The capacity will be 10 thousand containers per month,” said Sarawak Development and Infrastructure Minister, Dato Seri Michael Manyin Anak Jawong, in the sidelines to Pontianak, West Kalimantan, on Sunday (1/25).
Currently, it only serves 2 thousand containers per month but it will be higher later. Malaysian Customs and Excise, Immigration, and Quarantine is also ready to anticipate the hike.
“Later, the trade value at the area will not refer to border trade agreement (BTA) with MYR 600 limit per year for local residents but it can be millions without transaction value limitation,” he said.
He also believed it will bring positive impact for both sides in the future. Related to that matter, he has met West Kalimantan Governor, Cornelis, in his official residence on Jalan Ahmad Yani, Pontianak on Friday (1/23).
The governor said West Kalimantan is ready to make Entikong as an international port. President Joko Widodo, he continued, has ensured it during his visit.
“The president when visiting Entikong (1/21) stated the government will improve the area in March 2015 in terms of service and physical condition.
“It will be initiated in March. We will visit it again in December and develop its system after the physical construction is completed. Its service will also change. In December, we will see whether it changes or not,” President Joko Widodo said.
He also stated according to the information he received, for the last 25 years, Entikong border area has no significant changes.
“I asked about it and in fact, it has never been improved for 25 years. The neighboring country has far better service or physical condition,” he said. (Investor Daily)
