New ICQS complex planned for Rantau Panjang to replace aging facility, ease border traffic
PASIR MAS — A new, modern Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) complex will be constructed in Rantau Panjang to replace the aging existing facility and accommodate growing cross-border traffic driven by the construction of the second Malaysia–Thailand bridge.
Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) Rantau Panjang Commander Siti Khadijah Hamzah confirmed that the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN) has planned the redevelopment project, with land acquisition for the new site already completed.
She noted that the current ICQS complex, which has been in operation for decades, is no longer suitable or structurally equipped to handle the steadily increasing volume of travelers due to land constraints and restricted traffic flow. Under the redevelopment plan, the existing complex will be demolished once the new building is fully operational.
Streamlined layout for high-volume border traffic
Designed to complement ongoing construction of the second bridge linking Malaysia and Thailand, the new complex will feature an optimized movement system separating outbound and inbound traffic into dedicated, streamlined channels.
“When completed, one dedicated route will handle entry into Malaysia while another distinct route will handle exit traffic,” Siti Khadijah said, adding that while land acquisition is done, the official completion timeline for the facility remains subject to finalized project schedules.
The infrastructure upgrade is critical for Rantau Panjang, which serves as one of Kelantan’s premier international gateways alongside the ICQS facilities at Bukit Bunga in Tanah Merah and Pengkalan Kubor in Tumpat. Traffic volume through the checkpoint averages 2,000 to 3,000 travelers daily on weekdays and regularly surges to 5,000 people per day during peak weekends, public holidays, and festive seasons.
Addressing congestion along the Golok River corridor
The bulk of border movement comprises Malaysian and Thai citizens. Malaysian travelers routinely cross into Thailand for leisure, holidays, and dining, while Thai nationals cross into Pasir Mas for daily errands, retail purchases, and commercial trade.
To mitigate persistent bottlenecks during peak periods, authorities currently operate all 12 immigration inspection counters at 100 percent capacity on Fridays and Saturdays, maintaining six active counters for entry and six for exit.
Situated strategically along the Golok River border, the ICQS complex acts as the main coordination hub for multi-agency security and inspection operations. Beyond the Immigration Department, the facility houses the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK), Road Transport Department (JPJ), Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS), and the Volunteer Corps Department (RELA).
The new infrastructure is expected to bolster operational capacity and security enforcement while drastically improving transit efficiency for cross-border commerce and tourism.
— The Malaysia Times
