KUCHING: The Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sarawak Chapter has voiced its support for the Sarawak Government’s decision to allocate RM4 million for the upgrade of the Sungai Tujoh Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) checkpoint.
Its chairman John Teo said that the issue of traffic congestion and extended waiting times at the checkpoint, especially during peak seasons, has been a long-standing problem.
In fact, he said, this issue has been raised with the federal government multiple times without significant resolution.
“We are pleased with the state government’s initiative to address this problem, which will alleviate travel burdens between Miri and Brunei.
“At the same time, we urge the federal government to take concrete steps for a long-term solution,” he stressed.
Teo stressed the importance of widening roads around the CIQ areas, particularly during peak periods when waiting times can stretch to two to three hours, which deter visitors and tourists from Brunei, impacting tourism in Miri.
“With the rise in international tourists from China, South Korea and Japan in Brunei, improving the CIQ checkpoint is crucial,” he said.
“Any move to enhance this checkpoint will attract more tourists to Sarawak, especially since direct flights from these countries are not available,” he added
Recently, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawak Government has agreed to a proposal to have a dedicated entry point for Bruneians and foreigners and another for Malaysians entering Sarawak at the Sungai Tujoh CIQ checkpoint.
He said the state government has approved an allocation of RM4 million to improve the facilities of the CIQ checkpoint, a temporary measure until a permanent one is built under the 13th Malaysian Plan (13MP).
Among the proposed temporary enhancements included additional lanes and dedicated lanes for Bruneians and foreigners at the entry from Brunei to Miri and additional booths at entry and exit from Brunei.
At the same time, the existing fishbone-shape custom booth layout will be changed to a toll-shape design. The construction is expected to be completed within six months.
