New guidebook, MoU review streamline cross-border transport rules to ease S’wak-Brunei-Sabah border bottlenecks

The review of two BIMP-EAGA memoranda of understanding aims to address cross-border transport bottlenecks involving Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah. Photo credit: Ukas

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Sept 14: Upgraded infrastructure alone cannot guarantee seamless travel across Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah if travellers and transport operators remain bottlenecked by complex border controls, says Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

In a report by the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), he stressed that true connectivity depends on clear, predictable, and efficient border procedures, including permits, documentation and regulatory inspections.

“For Sarawak, connectivity is not merely a matter of transportation; it is an issue of economic competitiveness.

“Our land links with Brunei Darussalam and Sabah support trade, tourism, investment, and supply chains while connecting communities across Borneo,” he said at the launch of the Cross-Border Operational Guidebook for Sarawak-Brunei-Sabah Transportation Efficiency and the BIMP-EAGA Land Transport MoUs Review & Stakeholder Workshop at a hotel here today.

The event also marked the start of a two-day workshop reviewing two BIMP-EAGA memoranda of understanding (MoUs) governing the cross-border movement of commercial buses, tour buses, and freight transport.

Lee clarified that the review does not aim to enforce identical laws across Sarawak, Brunei and Sabah but rather to enhance coordination, clarity and mutual understanding while respecting each jurisdiction’s legal framework.

To address real-world bottlenecks, transport industry players are collaborating in the workshop to highlight operational hurdles and propose practical solutions. The newly unveiled guidebook outlines essential documents, permits, regulatory authorities, and travel conditions for operators traversing the three territories.

Lee noted that the guide will be updated regularly, with future efforts focusing on digitisation and further process simplification.

“More efficient cross-border transport will facilitate trade, boost tourism, strengthen supply chains and deepen ties across Borneo,” he added, reaffirming Sarawak’s commitment to driving a more integrated and competitive BIMP-EAGA region.

Also present was Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) Deputy Director-General Dr Mohamad Norjayadi Tamam. — DayakDaily