MIRI: A RM4-million upgrade to the Sungai Tujuh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex is set to ease chronic congestion at the northern gateway, with full operations now targeted to begin by May 1.
The Sarawak Public Works Department (PWD)-implemented project focuses on improving facilities and streamlining traffic flow from Brunei into the city, an area long plagued by severe bottlenecks that have disrupted travel and local economic activity.
Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said congestion at Sungai Tujuh ICQS previously caused visitors to wait up to three to four hours to enter Miri, affecting travel experiences and local economic activities.
He noted that although the original completion date was set for March 31 this year, inspections found that several repair and modification works still need to be completed.
“Although the project was supposed to be completed today, we are giving the contractor a final one-month period to rectify all defects and incomplete works so that operations can commence no later than May 1.
“This is important as the Gawai festival and other holidays will follow, during which the number of visitors is expected to increase,” he said during a working visit to the project site on Wednesday.
According to him, among the issues identified were the placement of air-conditioning compressors that risk being hit by tall vehicles, unclear signage and lane markings, incomplete electrical facilities in public restrooms, as well as the need for improvements at Immigration and Customs counters.
He added that PWD Sarawak has been instructed to carry out detailed inspections and notify the contractor of any works that do not meet specifications or are unsatisfactory.
Meanwhile, he also stressed the long-term need to enhance the efficiency of Miri ICQS through the use of modern technology, such as rapid identification systems to speed up the entry and exit process for visitors.
He said that additional upgrade proposals for Sungai Tujuh ICQS have been included in the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to ensure the facility remains relevant and capable of handling increased traffic in the future.
