Malaysia, Indonesia set to sign Border Crossing Agreement

Indonesian President Joko Widodo (right) speaks with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during a meeting at the presidential palace in Bogor, West Java, on January 9, 2023. (Photo: Tempo)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia and Indonesia are expected to sign a Border Crossing Agreement (BCA) during Indonesia President Joko Widodo's visit to Malaysia later this year, a senior official has said.

The list of new border entry points is one of the three issues that will be finalised under the agreement, Malaysian Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said at a question and answer session at the House of Representatives on March 8.

The two countries have agreed to finalise areas of access to ensure security because that’s where potential threats or violations of regulations will occur, he said.

Saifuddin said the third issue that will be completed was the review of legal elements as national security remained a priority to the government.

As the number of travellers at Sabah and Sarawak entry points was expected to see an increase following the opening of Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital, the Malaysian government had allocated 1 billion RM (144 million USD) to improve Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complexes and other facilities, the minister said.

He also said 194 million RM had also been approved to build and upgrade ICQS complexes and immigration posts at Sarawak border areas./.