Upgraded ICQS Miri Set To Begin Operations On May 1
MIRI: The upgrading of the Sungai Tujuh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex is set to alleviate traffic congestion at the main northern gateway to Miri, thereby enhancing the movement of visitors and vehicles into the city.
The project which is undertaken by the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) involves an allocation of RM4 million to enhance facilities and improve traffic flow from Perunai to Miri, particularly in border areas that frequently experience heavy congestion.
Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said previously, congestion at the Sungai Tujuh ICQS caused visitors to wait up to three to four hours to enter Miri, affecting travel experience and local economic activity.
He noted that while the project was originally set for completion on March 31, 2026, inspections found that several repair and upgrading works remain to be completed.
“While the project was meant to be completed today, we are allowing the contractor one final month to address all defects with operations expected to begin by May 1,” he said.
“This is important as the Gawai festival and other holidays are coming up with visitor numbers expected to increase,” he opined when met by the media during a site visit on Wednesday.
According to him, among the issues identified were the placement of air-conditioning compressors that are at risk of being hit by high vehicles, unclear signage and lane markings, incomplete electrical installations in public toilets, and the need to improve facilities at Immigration and Customs counters.
He informed that JKR has been instructed to carry out a detailed inspection and notify the contractor of any works that do not meet specifications or are deemed unsatisfactory.
Meanwhile, Dato Sri Lee also emphasised the need to improve ICQS Miri’s efficiency in the long term through the use of modern technologies including rapid identification systems to facilitate faster processing of visitor entry and exit.
He further stated that proposals for additional upgrades to the Sungai Tujuh ICQS have been incorporated into the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to ensure the facility remains relevant and can accommodate future traffic increases. -UKASnews
