By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 27: Improvements at border posts, harmonisation and digitalisation of vehicle regulations, and the streamlining of cross-border processes were among the key issues discussed as Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam agreed to step up collaboration in the transport sector, aiming for efficiency comparable to Johor–Singapore or even better.
Sarawak’s Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin led a high-level delegation on an official two-day visit to Brunei Darussalam from Aug 25 to 26, which included a bilateral meeting with Brunei’s Minister of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) Pengiran Dato Seri Setia Shamhary Mustapha.
The session was co-chaired by MTIC permanent secretary Ir Mohammad Nazri Mohammad Yusof and Lee, bringing together senior officials and heads of departments from both sides.
The discussions covered information sharing and strengthened cooperation across land, maritime and aviation connectivity.
Brunei presented its Economic Masterplan, which emphasises improved cross-border connectivity through digitalisation, while highlighting upcoming programmes including Brunei Darussalam Maritime Week 2025 (Sept 29 – Oct 2) and updates on the safety and operations of the Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien (SOAS) Bridge.
On Sarawak’s side, Lee outlined major infrastructure initiatives, including upgrades to the Sungai Tujoh CIQS Complex in Miri, ongoing road connectivity projects, the Kuching Urban Transportation System (KUTS), AirBorneo, the TransBorneo Railway feasibility study, and preliminary plans for a new Kuching International Airport with a projected capacity of 15 million passengers annually.
Key issues under discussion included improvements to Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) border posts at Sungai Tujoh, Limbang and Lawas; the digitalisation of permit applications; harmonisation of vehicle regulations; extension of ICQS operating hours; and the development of standard procedures for cross-border emergencies such as flight landings.
Lee emphasised that seamless connectivity is essential for communities living along the border.
“For many of our people, crossing the border is part of daily life – whether for work, education, visiting family and friends, or tourism. It is therefore crucial that we continue to enhance connectivity, improve efficiency at our border posts, and expand cooperation in transport, logistics, and aviation,” he said in a statement today.
He expressed confidence that Sarawak and Brunei could achieve border efficiency on par with Johor Bahru–Singapore, if not surpass it, and underscored the vast potential for expanded cooperation in aviation, maritime, land transport, logistics, and tourism as key growth drivers for both economies.
The meeting concluded positively, with both sides agreeing to hold annual bilateral discussions hosted alternately in Brunei and Sarawak.
During the visit, the Sarawak delegation also engaged with industry players such as Royal Brunei Airlines, Gallop Air, Warisan Shipping Line, and Muara Port Company Sdn Bhd to explore partnership opportunities. They also visited the Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Brunei (STATOB) for updates on programmes to strengthen Sarawak’s trade, investment, and tourism presence in the Sultanate.
Lee’s delegation included Deputy Minister for Transport Sarawak Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, acting permanent secretary Selamat Jati Yanjah, Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak director Cornelia Wong Chui, representatives from the Road Transport Department (JPJ), officers from the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS), as well as representatives from Air Borneo. — DayakDaily
