By Tedong Rantayy
MIRI, Aug 12: The long-awaited improvement project for the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex in Sungai Tujoh, Miri, is set to move forward with the tender expected to be called in September this year.
This was announced by Sarawak’s Minister for Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, during a press conference today.
Lee emphasised the urgency of the project, describing it as “very much needed” to alleviate the traffic congestion frequently experienced at the complex.
The project, with an estimated duration of six months, will focus primarily on the construction of additional lanes to streamline the flow of vehicles at Sungai Tujoh ICQS.
The planned improvements include the addition of three new lanes and three booths, which will increase the total number of lanes for arriving vehicles from the current 15 to 18.
The exit lanes will also see an increase, totaling 18 lanes after the upgrades.
In addition, the number of customs booths will be doubled, with two new booths being added to the existing two, resulting in four booths each for arrivals and exits.
The Sarawak government has allocated RM4 million for this project, as announced by Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg during his visit to Sungai Tujoh ICQS on March 11, 2024.
The funding is aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing wait times at the border crossing.
Public Works Department (JKR) Miri recently completed the draft design for the project, and relevant agencies stationed at Sungai Tujoh ICQS have been briefed on the proposed improvements.
Lee has requested that JKR engineers, along with representatives from immigration, customs, and other relevant agencies, finalise the design as quickly as possible to ensure the tender can be issued in September.
Lee also highlighted the importance of completing the project before peak travel seasons, such as Christmas this year, and New Year, Chinese New Year, and Hari Raya Aidilfitri in 2025.
He also noted the concerns raised by local residents, particularly those from Kampung Masjid near Sungai Tujoh ICQS who have been caught in long queues at the complex.
The new design includes three dedicated lanes for Malaysian vehicles and an existing lane for foreign vehicles, with the aim of reducing waiting times by 50 per cent or more.
While this project is seen as a short-term solution, Lee expressed hope that the federal government would consider a long-term upgrade for Sungai Tujoh ICQS, as well as other ICQS complexes in Limbang and Lawas, which have faced similar issues for years.
“The issues faced at these complexes underscore the need for an imperative long-term plan,” Lee stated, stressing the importance of sustained improvements to border facilities in Sarawak. — DayakDaily
