LAWAS, March 19: Sarawak will engage in further discussions with neighbouring country Brunei regarding extending the operating hours at the second border entry point of both nations until midnight.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan highlighted that the current operating hours, from 6am to 10pm, has posed some difficulty for the public.
“We have already discussed and the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security Complex (ICQS) in Merapok/Sindumin will continue to operate as usual until midnight.
“However, we are awaiting Brunei’s decision on this matter,” he stated in a TVS news report following a working visit to the ICQS Mengkalap Trusan Lawas today.
Awang Tengah expressed empathy for individuals stranded and forced to sleep in their vehicles due to the limited operating hours, affirming ongoing discussions with Brunei to address this issue.
“So we will continue to discuss with Brunei,” he affirmed.
He emphasised that extending border operating hours until midnight would facilitate visitors, especially during the Aidilfitri celebration season.
Additionally, he noted that only ICQS Merapok and Sindumin in Sabah would extend operations at the border entry points until midnight. — DayakDaily
