PUTRAJAYA, Oct 11 — The construction of new quarters at the Langkap Immigration Detention Depot in Perak and Papar, Sabah, under Budget 2027 will improve the welfare and operational readiness of Immigration Department (JIM) personnel in carrying out enforcement duties.

Immigration director-general Datuk Zakaria Shaaban said more conducive residential facilities would not only enhance the well-being of officers and their families, but also help them focus fully on their responsibilities in law enforcement and immigration detainee management.

He said personnel welfare was not merely about providing facilities, but also formed the foundation of an enforcement organisation’s readiness and effectiveness.

“The department views the announcement under Budget 2027 not merely as an increase in physical facilities, but as a responsibility to translate the government’s commitment into improved performance and service delivery.

“In this regard, the department will extend its full cooperation and commitment in coordinating the implementation of the initiatives to ensure that the intended benefits are realised to the fullest,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Zakaria said the Immigration Department also welcomed the announcement on the construction of the Keningau Immigration Office in Sabah, which is expected to strengthen the department’s capacity to provide more systematic, comfortable and efficient services to the local community.

He said infrastructure development was important to ensure a more organised, comfortable and efficient service environment, in line with the public’s needs and expectations for quality public services.

“Both initiatives represent strategic investments in strengthening the organisation’s capacity and capabilities, while giving balanced attention to the well-being of personnel and the need to provide services to the public,” he said.

When tabling Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Armed Forces Family Housing would be built in Skudai, Johor, along with new quarters at the Langkap Immigration Detention Depot in Perak and Papar, Sabah. The projects would benefit nearly 900 personnel at a cost of more than RM500 million. — Bernama