BANGUNAN SULTAN ISKANDAR TO BECOME MODERN ENTRY POINT TO MALAYSIA

JOHOR BAHARU, Dec 2 (Bernama) -- The Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, previously known as the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex, which was officially opened Monday, will become a modern entry point into Malaysia particularly to the Iskandar Development Region here, said Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

An estimated nine million visitors are expected to use the facilities there
each year, said the Prime Minister in his speech at the opening ceremony by the
Ruler of Johor state, Sultan Iskandar.

He said the opening of the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar was a historical event
as the building, constructed on a 113-hectare site, would become a major
landmark.

"The building is not only a developmental effort but also forms an
important symbol on the region's progress and potentials.

"It is a modern, efficient and attractive entry point, which will reflect
the modernisation, efficiency and beauty of the Iskandar Development Region (a
mega infrastucture development project), Johor and certainly, Malaysia, to every
foreign visitor and investor," he said.

Bangunan Sultan Iskandar Sultan Iskandar Building) will operate round the
clock and will house 21 agencies comprising federal government departments,
state government, statutory bodies and private agencies.

The Immigration Department will be responsible for coordinating operations
and management of the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar.

"The Royal Malaysia Police must ensure strict security for the building in
the interest of the safety and comfort of the users and our country in general,"
he said.

Abdullah also said that everyone serving in Bangunan Sultan Iskandar was
like a 'Malaysian ambassador' to the foreigners.

"We must prove, in fact reflect Malaysia's status not only as one of the
developed countries but also having inhabitants who are friendly and courteous
as well as highly civilised," Abdullah said.

In his speech, the Sultan of Johor said he hoped Bangunan Sultan Iskandar
would provide comfort and prosperity to the people and subsequently progress to
the state.

"Today is a historic day for the state of Johor for getting a new building.
I congratulate everyone involved in making the project a success," the Sultan
said.

Also gracing the ceremony were the Sultanah of Johor, Sultanah Zanariah,
the Tunku Mahkota Johor, Tunku Ibrahim Ismail and his consort Raja Zarith
Sofiah.