MIRI – Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi must set a deadline to construct the Sarawak highway bypassing Brunei to link the northern Sarawak districts of Miri-Limbang-Lawas to Sabah without having to cross Brunei.
Local opposition Parti Sarawak Bersatu vice-president Datuk Lawrence Lai said that the proposed highway project had been mentioned for decades but nothing concrete had come out of it yet.
He told The Vibes today that it is high time to set a specific timeframe for such a crucial passage to be paved.
“The new works minister should know that it is presently such a hassle for land commuters plying the Miri-Limbang-Lawas to Sabah route because they have to pass through Brunei.
“Those having to use that route for commercial and social purposes have to endure queues and checks in at least eight immigration checkpoints on both sides of the border along that transboundary route.
“The Sarawak-Brunei border is also closed from midnight to pre-dawn hours, and does not operate 24 hours.
“For decades, (both) the state and federal governments have been talking about building a highway to bypass Brunei to facilitate unimpeded travel across Sarawak and Sabah.
“We in PSB hope Nanta will set a deadline for the project,” said Lai.
In the meantime, Lai called on authorities at the border checkpoint at the Sarawak-Brunei boundary 35km north of Miri to provide an emergency cross-border lane that is open 24 hours daily.
“The emergency lane must be manned round-the-clock to facilitate swift cross-border crossings in times of medical emergencies or tragedies that require ambulances to cross into each other’s territories,” he said.
Lai, a senior Miri lawyer and social activist, said it is shocking that there is currently no such emergency lane available for the Sarawak-Brunei border checkpoint at the Sg Tujuh immigration and customs complex.
“The death of the elderly heart patient on Tuesday inside an ambulance that could not pass through into Miri while at the Brunei-Sarawak border gate is tragic.
“The relevant authorities must determine if there is any negligence or carelessness involved by those manning the border gate.
“While the probe (into the matter) is ongoing, the Sarawak and Brunei government must take immediate steps to create the emergency lane.
“Surely, such an emergency lane should be deemed a necessity,” he said.
Lai said the Sarawak and Brunei immigration and customs authorities should be able to swiftly agree on a standard operating procedure to enable those facing critical situations such as life-threatening emergencies to pass through without hassle. – The Vibes, December 10, 2022
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