New Lane Segregation System At Sungai Tujoh ICQS Now Operational
MIRI: The new lane segregation system at the Sungai Tujoh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) has officially begun operation to improve the smooth flow of traffic and speed up the vehicle clearance process at the border checkpoint.
Sarawak Minister for Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said the implementation of the system allows Malaysian registered vehicles to be separated from the flow of foreign vehicles, thus reducing waiting times and traffic congestion.
According to him, users from Limbang, Lawas and Sabah entering Miri no longer have to queue alongside foreign-registered vehicles.
“Malaysian vehicles no longer have to queue together with foreign vehicles. The lanes are now separated to ensure a faster and smoother process,” he said when met by reporters at the Sungai Tujoh ICQS in Kuala Baram on Friday.
He explained that while three counters had previously been made available, operations have since been adjusted according to current traffic conditions and operational needs.
The Senadin Assemblyman said at present, only two counters are open, but the authorities are prepared to activate all three counters should traffic volume increase, particularly during month-end periods, festive seasons and public holidays.
At the same time, Dato Sri Lee acknowledged that the Immigration Department continues to face manpower constraints and said discussions would be held with the department’s headquarters to request additional personnel.
“I believe congestion issues can be addressed more effectively once staffing and counter capacity are increased,” he added.
Commenting on the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), he said it forms part of a longer-term plan requiring cooperation with the Federal Government and the Immigration Department at the national level.
According to him, the adoption of automation systems and AI technology could enhance inspection efficiency and accelerate border clearance processes in the future.
Dato Sri Lee also noted that one of the main causes of congestion at the Sungai Tujoh ICQS stems from certain vehicle inspections taking longer to complete, which subsequently affects traffic flow behind them.
He added that the RM4 million upgrading project was approved by the Sarawak Government under the leadership of Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg about two years ago to improve the efficiency of vehicle movement from Brunei into Miri.
In a similar development, he said the Federal Government had also approved an allocation of approximately RM31 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan for a long-term upgrading project involving the overall border area, including new systems and infrastructure.
He expressed hope that the implementation of the lane segregation system would bring positive changes and help ease congestion at the Sungai Tujoh ICQS from today onwards. -UKASnews
