Upgraded Sungai Tujoh CIQS expected to begin operations next month, says minister

MIRI (April 1): The upgrading works of the Sungai Tujoh Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) complex has been targeted for completion within this month, said Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin.

He said operations are expected to commence by May to ease traffic congestion at Sarawak’s main northern entry point.

“This project was proposed by my minister after receiving numerous complaints, including from visitors who had to wait three or more hours just to enter Miri.

“The state government approved an allocation of RM4 million to upgrade the facilities here, with the primary aim of improving the flow of vehicles entering Miri from Brunei.

“It was initially scheduled for full completion by March 31, but upon inspection, several repair and modification works still required attention,” he told a press conference after a working visit to the Sungai Tujoh CIQS complex here.

Among the matters that required further attention were the improper positioning of air-conditioners; public toilet facilities without proper electrical wiring; and improvements to the immigration counters, he said.

“The Public Works Department (JKR) conducted a final inspection and will be notifying the contractor of the improvements needed, so we are granting an additional one-month extension for these deficiencies to be addressed.

“Our target is to begin operations on May 1, especially ahead of festive seasons such as Hari Gawai and other public holidays, which are expected to see a significant increase in visitor arrivals,” he said.

Lee stressed the need for a comprehensive long-term upgrade of the entire CIQS complex, as the existing facilities were already outdated.

“We need to upgrade these facilities holistically, including adopting technology such as facial recognition to expedite the clearance process for visitors.

“Sungai Tujoh is the main gateway into northern Sarawak, and the facilities here must be continuously enhanced,” he said.

He added a proposal for the comprehensive upgrade of the complex had been incorporated into the 13th Malaysia Plan, and hoped its implementation could be expedited for the comfort of users and to ensure smooth movement at the border crossing.