Rantau Panjang:The Rantau Panjang Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex is set to be replaced by a new facility to manage increasing cross-border traffic, spurred by the construction of a second Malaysia-Thailand bridge.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) Rantau Panjang commander Siti Khadijah Hamzah announced that land acquisition for the new project, overseen by the Home Ministry, has been completed.

Siti Khadijah noted that the existing complex, operational for many years, struggles to accommodate the escalating number of travelers due to limited space and inefficient traffic flow. She stated that the current complex would be demolished once the new facility is ready.

The new complex aims to facilitate smoother and more organized movement, with separate exit and entry lanes between Malaysia and Thailand to improve traveler flow. This facility is deemed essential as the Rantau Panjang ICQS is a key entry point experiencing high cross-border traffic.

These upgrades are anticipated to alleviate frequent congestion, particularly on weekends, public holidays, and festive seasons. Daily cross-border movement ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 people, peaking at 5,000 on busy days. Siti Khadijah highlighted that all 12 Immigration inspection counters, six for entry and six for exit, are fully operational during peak times.

The Rantau Panjang ICQS is strategically located on the Malaysia-Thailand border in Pasir Mas, serving as one of three official entry points into Kelantan. It functions as a coordination center for various agencies, including the Customs Department and the National Anti-Drug Agency.

The facility's strategic position near Sungai Golok, which forms the Malaysia-Thailand border, presents specific security challenges, such as smuggling and illegal entries. Previous reports indicated that controlling the area around Sungai Golok is difficult due to fluctuating water levels and illegal crossing routes.