By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, March 28: The Sungai Tujoh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) complex will undergo a major upgrade to alleviate chronic traffic congestion at the Sarawak-Brunei border.
The RM3.576 million project, funded by the Sarawak government, started on March 10 and is expected to be completed within nine months.
Sarawak Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin announced the project after witnessing the official handing over of the letter of offer to the appointed contractor, ZM Capital Sdn Bhd, today at ICQS Sungai Tujoh.
The project will include the construction of new lanes and resurfacing works, including premix roads, road furniture, speed bumps, and roadside drains for both entry and exit immigration and customs lanes.
It will also include the installation of eight new immigration and customs booths, toilet facilities, the demolition of the existing fishbone-shaped customs booths and the reconstruction of 10 new booths for a smoother traffic flow, and the construction of an open metal shed and a covered walkway for travellers.
The upgrade comes after years of severe congestion at Sungai Tujoh, especially during festive seasons.
During Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s visit on March 7, he approved a RM4 million allocation to tackle the issue.
Lee emphasised that while this upgrade is a short-term solution, Sungai Tujoh requires a complete overhaul to accommodate the increasing number of travellers and vehicles.
“As the northern gateway to Sarawak, Sungai Tujoh needs an efficient, seamless system like those in Singapore, where facial recognition and advanced technology speed up border clearance,” he said.
He urged the federal government to provide further funding for a comprehensive upgrade, noting that travellers from 94 countries pass through Sungai Tujoh.
“The rising volume of vehicles, including buses from Pontianak and Brunei, highlights the urgent need for modernisation,” Lee pointed out.
Once completed, the upgraded complex will introduce a split lane system, separating Malaysian and Brunei-registered vehicles, which is expected to reduce congestion at the border significantly. — DayakDaily
