By Brad Rantayy
MIRI, Aug 1: With the reopening of Brunei’s land border today, people within the country have begun planning their trips to Miri.
The majority of Bruneians met at the Sungai Tujoh checkpoint in Miri rejoiced with Brunei’s border reopening after being forced to close due to Covid-19.
For 35-year-old Mohd Nazri, whose mother is from Miri while his father is a Bruneian, he was relieved as he could now visit his mother’s side of the family.
“It’s just like a ‘balik kampung’ trip for me as now I can go back to Miri and visit my mother’s family there,” Mohd Nazri said when met at the Sungai Tujoh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICSQ) Complex today.
Another Bruneian, 40-year-old Mohd Hilham Zaini, expressed relief that he can now visit Miri again.
“We are happy and relieved because we can reunite with our friends and family here,” said Mohd Hilham, who was in Miri for a day trip.
Meanwhile, Mirian MacDonald Bangi, an oil and gas worker in Brunei, said entering the checkpoint from both sides early this morning was hassle-free.
“No congestion at all from both sides of the checkpoint, and it took less than 15 minutes,” he said.
MacDonald is currently working in Brunei and has decided to go back to his hometown.
A brief check carried out this morning saw that more than six counters were operating at the Sungai Tujoh checkpoints with smooth traffic flow.
Several vehicles bearing Brunei plate numbers were spotted crossing the border today.
Sarawak’s border counters will operate from 6am to 6pm, the same as its counterparts in Brunei. — DayakDaily
