Premier: Sarawak-Brunei to move ahead with new CIQ complex project at Kpg Pandam
Abang Johari (third right) with (from right) Abu Bakar, Julaihi and others viewing a model of the Sungai Limbang bridge.
MIRI (June 14): The Sarawak government has agreed in principle to the construction of a new Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at Kampung Pandam in Limbang, near the border with Brunei Darussalam, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The proposed facility aims to improve cross-border connectivity, enhance security cooperation, and boost economic integration between Malaysia and Brunei.
Abang Johari said the CIQ project was among the key topics discussed during recent bilateral engagements between the two nations.
'We have agreed in principle to upgrade the existing ICQ facilities at Kampung Pandam. This development will not only support smoother mobility for citizens of both Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam, but more importantly, strengthen the economic ties between our regions,' he said during a working visit to the Sungai Limbang Bridge site today.
He noted the timing was appropriate, as the second Sungai Limbang Bridge is expected to be completed by April next year.
The CIQ Pandam-Lumapas project has been under discussion at both the federal and Bruneian government levels, with ongoing negotiations to ensure readiness on both sides before implementation.
Once completed, the new route will significantly shorten travel time between Limbang and Brunei.
The journey is expected to take just 30 minutes – 15 minutes from Limbang to CIQ Pandam, and another 15 minutes from CIQ Lumapas to central Brunei.
Accompanying the Premier on the site visit were State Minister of Utility and Telecommunications, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi; Deputy Minister of Transport, Datuk Hasbi Habibollah; State Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Ismail; Batu Danau assemblyman Dato Paulus Palu Gumbang; State Secretary Datuk Amar Abu Bakar Marzuki; and Limbang Division Resident, Unos Tambi.
Earlier, Abang Johari also made a visit to the Limbang Museum. abang johari brunei CIQ Kampung Pandam limbang
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Borneo Post
13 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo agrees in principle to RM40 mln waterfront projects for Kpg Sejijak, Paroh
Abang Johari being briefed on the proposed Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh waterfront development plans during the closing ceremony of Regatta Sejijak 2025. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 15): Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has agreed in principle to the development of waterfront projects worth RM20 million each for Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh. Announcing the commitment during the Closing Ceremony of Regatta Sejijak 2025 at Kampung Sejijak jetty here today, Abang Johari said the initiative would support local recreational and tourism activities, particularly in promoting river-based attractions. 'I have been briefed that it will cost around RM20 million for each location — RM20 million here and RM20 million in Paroh. 'I agree in principle to implement the waterfront developments so that residents can continue fishing, and the community can enjoy boat racing events in a more structured setting,' he said. Abang Johari highlighted that the waterfront projects are part of the state government's broader river cruise tourism strategy, linking key cultural and recreational sites along the Sarawak River. 'I've already approved the waterfront project in Siniawan, and it's completed. The distance from Siniawan to here is around 25 to 30 kilometres. 'The idea is for tourists to be able to travel by boat all the way to Siniawan, stopping here to enjoy what Sejijak and Paroh have to offer,' he said. He added that the extended cruise route would be supported by the ongoing expansion of the Kuching Waterfront up to Satok Bridge. 'The waterfront development in Kuching will be extended to Satok, and from there it's not far to here. Eventually, the cruise will continue all the way to Siniawan,' he said. Abang Johari encouraged the development of food stalls and other local attractions in Sejijak and Paroh to cater to visitors as part of the river tourism experience. 'This is one of our efforts to enhance tourism through river connectivity,' he added. The event was jointly organised by the Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) Kampung Sejijak, PBB Ranting P194 Petra Jaya, and DUN N6 Tupong. Also present was Tupong assemblyman, Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman. abang johari Jampung Sejijak Kampung Paroh lead waterfront project
Borneo Post
13 hours ago
- Borneo Post
Abg Jo: S'wak govt to develop new housing expansion for Kpg Sejijak, Paroh
Abang Johari deliverinng his speech when officiating the closing of Regatta Sejijak 2025 at Kampung Sejijak jetty here today. – Photo by Roystein Emmor KUCHING (June 15): The Sarawak government will develop a new residential expansion for Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh to address overcrowding and meet growing housing demands in the area, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He said the new development will mirror the Segedup model, involving approximately 30 acres of land between the two villages. 'People are starting families and growing in number, so we may need to expand the village just like what we did in Segedup,' he said when officiating the closing of Regatta Sejijak 2025 at Kampung Sejijak jetty here today. Abang Johari revealed that the state government has identified the land between Sejijak and Paroh for the new housing scheme and will work with the Land and Survey Department to develop a detailed layout plan for around 100 residential lots. 'We will provide infrastructure like roads, drainage, water, and electricity. These costs will be fully borne by the government,' he said. Buyers will only need to pay a nominal land premium of RM2,500 and the cost of the house structure itself. 'The land size will be around 12 points and we will build bungalow units. You only need to pay for the house. No need to pay for the infrastructure—we will cover that,' he added. Abang Johari explained that the new housing scheme would be affordably priced at RM150,000 per unit, with the government subsidising a RM10,000 deposit. Homeowners would only need to make monthly repayments of about RM200 via Mutiara Mortgage & Credit Sdn Bhd. 'You will end up owning an asset worth at least RM350,000 including land and house,' he said. The Premier stressed that the initiative aims to reduce urban migration by offering quality and affordable housing closer to residents' hometowns. 'We don't need to move elsewhere. We already have the roads and now we want to provide homes,' he said. He reminisced about his early days as a representative when one of his first projects involved building roads connecting Malihah to Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh, noting the massive transformation the area has undergone. 'I was surprised when I entered just now. It looks like a new township, with housing estates and various complexes,' he said. Looking ahead, Abang Johari also revealed that a future road linkage is being considered to connect Sejijak to the existing road at Emart via the Tan Sri Sulaiman Daud Bridge, aiming to reduce dependency on the Matang route. 'If we can build the road like we did from Emart to Segedup, then we can also connect Sejijak in a similar way,' he said. Furthermore, Abang Johari said the state government has approved a RM20 million waterfront development in Kampung Sejijak and another in Kampung Paroh, with the goal of promoting river-based tourism and recreation. 'We want to make it easier for people to fish, to watch the regattas, and to attract tourists. This is just like what we've done in Siniawan,' he said, adding that Siniawan's waterfront has become a popular weekend destination. Abang Johari said a river cruise route is being planned from Kuching Waterfront to Satok and onward to Siniawan, with Kampung Sejijak and Kampung Paroh as potential stopovers for dining and leisure. 'We want to make this a tourism circuit, and having a waterfront here means tourists can stop, eat prawns, enjoy the scenery, and continue to Siniawan,' he added. He concluded his speech by reiterating the importance of unity and continued development. 'When we are united, we can develop our state and uplift our economy,' he said. abang johari Kampung Paroh Kampung Sejijak lead residential expansion
The Sun
16 hours ago
- The Sun
RM5 billion lost annually to illicit cigarette trade
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia incurs significant losses from the rampant trade in illicit cigarettes, with an estimated RM5 billion in tax revenue lost annually, according to the latest NielsenIQ Illicit Cigarettes Study released in March. The study found that illegal cigarettes make up 54.6% of all cigarettes sold in the country, highlighting the size and strength of the black market. The widespread trade not only deprives the government of crucial revenue but also undermines national public health efforts. A key finding was the dominance of 10 leading contraband brands, which together account for roughly 75% of all illicit cigarettes smuggled into Malaysia. The brands are identified as primary contributors to ongoing tax leakage. The report also flagged serious concerns over tax stamp fraud. It revealed that 69% of illegal cigarette packs carried no tax stamp at all, while 31% bore counterfeit stamps – indicating growing sophistication among smuggling syndicates. As of March, fake tax stamps were found on 16.7% of seized illicit packs, up from 15.6% in May 2024. This rising trend suggests that criminal networks are becoming increasingly adept at circumventing enforcement and exploiting weaknesses in the regulatory system. In addition, the top 10 brands found with counterfeit tax stamps did not overlap with the top 10 most consumed contraband brands, suggesting a wider and more complex illicit trade network than previously understood. Johor, Selangor and Sabah were identified as key hotspots for smuggling activity. The states serve as major entry and distribution points for illegal tobacco products and represent a large proportion of national cigarette consumption, making them critical targets in enforcement efforts. Despite the scale of the issue, the study noted slight progress. The prevalence of illicit cigarettes fell by 0.2%, from 54.8% in January 2024 to 54.6% in March this year. This modest decline is attributed to continued enforcement by the authorities. The study also highlighted a longer term downward trend, with the rate of illicit cigarette consumption dropping steadily since peaking at 63.8% in 2020. The improvement is credited to stronger enforcement and the ban on trans-shipment of tobacco products. A significant breakthrough in the fight against the trade occurred on March 5, when Johor Customs intercepted a major shipment at the Port of Tanjung Pelepas. Officers discovered more than six million contraband cigarettes concealed among 444 pieces of plywood in a 40-foot container. The shipment had been falsely declared in Customs documentation as 'other plywood, consisting solely of sheets of wood'. The seized items were valued at RM1.61 million, with unpaid duties estimated at RM4.58 million. The case is being investigated under Section 133(1)(a) of the Customs Act 1967 for false declaration.
