Mustapha speaking to reporters during a working visit to the Serikin Integrated Checkpoint Complex (ICQS) construction site on Sept 21, 2026.

Advertisement

By Amanda L

BAU, Sept 21: Construction of the Telok Melano border control post will take approximately two years to complete once a contractor is formally appointed, says Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Ts. Mustapha Sakmud.

The project is currently awaiting the issuance of the Letter of Acceptance (SST) following the completion of the final tender evaluation.

Advertisement

“The timeframe has not started yet as it is still in the tender process,” he told reporters during a working visit to the Serikin Integrated Checkpoint Complex (ICQS) construction site today.

Mustapha stressed that border security infrastructure must be expedited rather than treated as standard development, in line with prime ministerial directives to fast-track National Security Council (MKN) initiatives.

“We cannot implement these projects according to the normal process. They need to be given priority because they fall under MKN and require special attention,” he said.

Turning to wider regional needs, Mustapha cited a 69-year-old wooden police post in Sematan as a stark example of Sarawak’s lingering basic infrastructure deficits.T

“Just imagine, it is already 69 years old. This shows that many basic infrastructure issues in Sarawak and Sabah still need to be addressed and prioritised,” he said.

Ahead of the tabling of Budget 2027, Mustapha voiced hope that the federal government would maintain or increase development allocations for the Borneo States to address dilapidated schools and essential facilities.

He also commended the Sarawak government for actively facilitating the rollout of border infrastructure projects across the State. — DayakDaily