(Miri, 27th) Miri Member of Parliament, Chiew Choon Man, stated that one of the major issues he has been committed to resolving since being elected as a Member of Parliament is the severe congestion at the Sungai Tujoh checkpoint. This issue affects not only the people of Miri but also Brunei tourists who frequently travel to this city.
He said that in every parliamentary session, including during the last debate on the 2025 budget, he never missed expressing the people's insistence on resolving the checkpoint congestion issue, especially during weekends and holidays, leading users to wait for hours. This is a long-standing issue that urgently requires government attention.
"As a Member of Parliament, I completely understand the people's frustration with this situation. I have personally met with various parties, including road users, local traders, and community representatives, to understand the direct impact of this issue on their lives. Based on their feedback, many believe that if the congestion at the checkpoint can be resolved, it will bring significant economic spillover effects to Miri. Visitors from Brunei will be more likely to spend here, which in turn promotes local tourism, trade, and service industries."
"I have also held meetings with representatives from the Sarawak Immigration Department and relevant departments to emphasize the importance of resolving this issue. Furthermore, I will continue to push for budget allocations in Parliament and take immediate action to upgrade the Sungai Tujoh checkpoint, including increasing inspection lanes and improving existing processes."
"I appreciate the continued attention of the Ministry of Home Affairs on this matter. In a recent written response I received, I learned from the Ministry of Home Affairs that they are aware of the congestion occurring at the Miri checkpoint. Therefore, the ministry, through the Immigration Department of Malaysia, has applied for funding under the 2026 Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK013) Rolling Plan 1 to upgrade the checkpoint's comprehensive facilities and related works, with a total allocation of RM20 million."
He said, however, the implementation of this project still requires approval from the Ministry of Economy, so the funding application will be submitted to the Ministry of Economy in April 2025.
"We cannot allow this issue to continue affecting Miri's image as Brunei's main gateway to Sarawak. As a Member of Parliament, I am committed to relentlessly fighting until this issue is properly resolved."
He stated that his goal for next year is to have the funding for the checkpoint and the Miri police headquarters approved, while also following up on other already approved projects.
He said that in every parliamentary session, including during the last debate on the 2025 budget, he never missed expressing the people's insistence on resolving the checkpoint congestion issue, especially during weekends and holidays, leading users to wait for hours. This is a long-standing issue that urgently requires government attention.
"As a Member of Parliament, I completely understand the people's frustration with this situation. I have personally met with various parties, including road users, local traders, and community representatives, to understand the direct impact of this issue on their lives. Based on their feedback, many believe that if the congestion at the checkpoint can be resolved, it will bring significant economic spillover effects to Miri. Visitors from Brunei will be more likely to spend here, which in turn promotes local tourism, trade, and service industries."
"I have also held meetings with representatives from the Sarawak Immigration Department and relevant departments to emphasize the importance of resolving this issue. Furthermore, I will continue to push for budget allocations in Parliament and take immediate action to upgrade the Sungai Tujoh checkpoint, including increasing inspection lanes and improving existing processes."
"I appreciate the continued attention of the Ministry of Home Affairs on this matter. In a recent written response I received, I learned from the Ministry of Home Affairs that they are aware of the congestion occurring at the Miri checkpoint. Therefore, the ministry, through the Immigration Department of Malaysia, has applied for funding under the 2026 Thirteenth Malaysia Plan (RMK013) Rolling Plan 1 to upgrade the checkpoint's comprehensive facilities and related works, with a total allocation of RM20 million."
He said, however, the implementation of this project still requires approval from the Ministry of Economy, so the funding application will be submitted to the Ministry of Economy in April 2025.
"We cannot allow this issue to continue affecting Miri's image as Brunei's main gateway to Sarawak. As a Member of Parliament, I am committed to relentlessly fighting until this issue is properly resolved."
He stated that his goal for next year is to have the funding for the checkpoint and the Miri police headquarters approved, while also following up on other already approved projects.