NABAWAN: The government has been urged to establish an administrative building in the border area between Malaysia (Pagalungan) and Indonesia (Labang) to facilitate administrative matters related to the interests of both countries.
In making the call, Pensiangan Gagasan Rakyat Sabah GRS) Youth Chief, Jordan Jude Ellron said this was important as the Indonesian border agency (Labang) is expected to be fully operational next year.
“I had the opportunity to visit the Indonesian border area (Labang), which took about five hours by boat recently.
“After visiting the Indonesian border area, I am of the opinion that the Malaysian government also needs to speed up the construction of the administrative building, and what’s more, the administrative centre of the Indonesian capital will also move to East Kalimantan soon,” he said in a statement today.
In this respect, Jordan said that further discussions between the leaders of the two countries should also be held for the benefit of the two regions because the majority of the residents along the borders of the two countries are related in terms of family ties.
“If there is a marriage, two parties will cross to get together. This is their culture that is passed down from generation to generation.
“For example, if there is a wedding, the family will bring food such as rice, sugar, etc. to help. I am afraid it will not be discussed between the two countries. Taxes will be imposed on the guests,” he said.
Jordan also suggested that the tribal leaders of both countries, especially in the border area, be involved in the discussion to ensure that the matter can be resolved peacefully and amicably.
“This is because these two borders are from the same ethnic group and practise the same custom, which is the Bangsa Dayak,” he said.
