MIRI: A new lane segregation system at the Sungai Tujuh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex has begun operations to ease congestion and speed up vehicle clearance at the border checkpoint.
Transport Minister, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, said the system separates Malaysian-registered vehicles from foreign vehicles to improve traffic flow, especially for travellers entering Miri from Limbang, Lawas and Sabah.
“Now, Malaysian vehicles no longer need to line up together with foreign vehicles. The separation allows the process to become faster and more orderly,” he told reporters during a visit to the ICQS in Kuala Baram here today (May 22).
Lee, who is Senadin assemblyman, said the checkpoint currently operates with two counters.
However, a third counter can be opened during peak periods, such as festive seasons, public holidays, and month-end weekends.
“We are still facing manpower shortages at the checkpoint and will discuss the matter with the Immigration Department’s headquarters to seek additional personnel.
“I believe congestion issues can be addressed more effectively with additional manpower and counters,” he said,” he said.
Lee said the lane segregation system formed part of a wider upgrading effort valued at about RM4 million, approved by the Sarawak Government about two years ago to improve traffic movement from Brunei into Miri.
He added that the federal government has also approved around RM31 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan for long-term upgrading works involving infrastructure and system improvements at the border checkpoint.
On future plans, Lee said the use of automation and artificial intelligence (AI) technology is among the proposals being considered to further improve efficiency at the ICQS facility.
“One of the main causes of congestion at Sungai Tujoh ICQS is that inspections involving certain vehicles take longer, which then affects the traffic flow behind them.
“The use of automation systems and AI could improve inspection efficiency and speed up clearance processes at the border checkpoint in the future,” he added.
