Rantau Panjang ICQS Complex To Be Replaced By New Facility To Ease Congestion

PASIR MAS, Oct 3 – The Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Pasir Mas will be demolished and replaced by a new, modernized facility to handle increasing cross-border traffic following the construction of the second Malaysia-Thailand bridge.

Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) Rantau Panjang Commander Siti Khadijah Hamzah confirmed that land acquisition for the Home Ministry project has been completed.

Siti Khadijah noted that the existing complex, which has operated for decades, faces severe space constraints and suboptimal traffic flow, making it incapable of supporting current passenger volumes.

“The existing complex will be demolished once the new one is completed,” Siti Khadijah told Bernama during an interview at the complex.

Redesigned Layout and Traffic Volume

The incoming complex will feature an optimized structural layout designed to streamline movement across border control check points, including dedicated lane separations between outbound and inbound traffic between Malaysia and Thailand.

Key operational metrics and border facility details include:

• Daily Footfall: Daily cross-border movements average between 2,000 to 3,000 individuals, surging to 5,000 people daily during peak periods, weekends, and public holidays.
• Counter Operations: High-density days, particularly Fridays and Saturdays, require 100% counter operation, utilizing six entry and six exit Immigration inspection counters.
• Border Significance: The complex serves as one of Kelantan’s three primary official international entry points alongside ICQS Bukit Bunga in Tanah Merah and Pengkalan Kubor in Tumpat.

Multi-Agency Coordination and Border Security

Situated directly opposite Sungai Golok, the ICQS functions as an integrated operational hub housing the Immigration Department, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, Road Transport Department (JPJ), Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS), National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), and the People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA).

The strategic location facing Sungai Golok presents ongoing enforcement challenges due to river-level fluctuations and unauthorized crossing routes that require continuous surveillance against smuggling and illegal entry.

–NMT