Lee proposes additional booths to ease ICQS congestion

MIRI: Sarawak’s Minister of Transport, Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin, has proposed adding booths for Brunei-registered vehicles near the Asean Bridge toll at the Sungai Tujoh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex.

The suggestion aims to alleviate traffic congestion often experienced at the border checkpoint, especially during peak times.

Lee made a site visit on Friday, accompanied by representatives from various agencies, including the Public Works Department (PWD), the police, immigration, customs officers, and the toll operator, Shin Yang.

“To address the traffic congestion, particularly on weekends, at least three booths should be designated specifically for Brunei-registered vehicles,” he said.

“Additionally, there should be a special lane for Malaysian-registered cars, which do not need to pay toll fees, allowing for faster processing.”

He emphasised the importance of implementing a dedicated lane for local residents, especially those from nearby villages, to facilitate smoother access to Miri city.

“PWD will be responsible for designing barriers and yellow box junctions near the roundabout to ensure vehicles do not block the intersection, allowing villagers to exit the area efficiently,” he said.

“This issue has been ongoing for a long time, and it’s time we find a permanent solution,” Lee said, noting that local residents sometimes endure wait times of up to two hours just to return to their homes.