The Transport Minister said greater emphasis should be placed on traffic flow design, effective traffic management, and faster immigration and customs clearance to ensure smoother vehicle movement and reduce waiting times at the border crossing.

He said this during a working visit to the Sungai Tujoh ICQS Complex on Thursday, where he was briefed by the Public Works Department (JKR) on the proposed upgrading works under Rolling Plan 1 of the 13th Malaysia Plan (RMK13).

“While the proposed scope includes the construction of a new multipurpose hall and other facilities, our immediate priority must be to resolve the longstanding traffic congestion problem. We must get our priorities right,” he said.

Lee said the upgrading project should focus on improving overall traffic flow and the clearance process rather than merely adding new buildings and facilities.

He also highlighted the increasing movement of heavy commercial vehicles, including container trucks and trailers, through Sungai Tujoh.

He said the movement of heavy vehicles alongside passenger cars should be taken into consideration in reviewing the traffic flow design to minimise bottlenecks and improve safety.

“The upgrading must bring practical improvements to border users. We want faster clearance, smoother traffic flow, and shorter queues, especially during weekends, school holidays, and festive seasons,” he said.

Lee has consistently raised concerns over congestion at Sungai Tujoh and pushed for improvements to the border facilities.

In March 2024, the Sarawak government approved RM4 million for short-term improvement works at the complex, including additional vehicle lanes and a traffic segregation system.

The new lane segregation system commenced operations in May this year.

Lee said the proposed upgrading should build on these earlier improvements and address the underlying traffic flow and operational challenges at the complex.

According to the JKR briefing, the proposed upgrading includes improvements to the existing ICQS office and operations buildings, roads, security fencing, CCTV systems, as well as mechanical and electrical facilities.

The remaining scope includes the construction of a new multipurpose hall, guardhouse, and access road.

Lee urged JKR Sarawak and the relevant border agencies to review the project priorities and ensure the proposed design addresses the actual needs of border users.

He said Sungai Tujoh served as an important gateway for travellers and commercial transportation between Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam, making efficient clearance and reduced congestion key objectives of the upgrading project.

Credits: Jacqueline Raphael, The Borneo Post 2026