BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: Immigration issues pertaining to movement between East Malaysia and Brunei are expected to be simplified in March.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi during his working visit to Brunei, said both countries have agreed on introducing a new mechanism to ensure easier access when entering and exiting both nations.
“When I paid audience to Sultan (Hassanal Bolkiah) and met with the Home Affairs Minister (Pehin Orang Kaya Datuk Seri Setia Dr Awang Abu Bakar Apong), we have agreed on several issues especially when the Pan Borneo Highway is completed, immigration issues can be solved.
“Further discussions in March at the officers’ level are expected to settle some technical issues as now Sabahans and Sarawakians entering Brunei and vice versa have to go through a total of 16 checkpoints back and forth where their passports are stamped.
“The discussion will also look into the ease of transfer of prisoners between Sabah and Sarawak via Brunei, as Brunei has a standard operating procedure in terms of legal and safety aspects,” said Zahid, who is also Home Minister.
He told this to reporters after a bilateral meeting with his counterpart Awang Abu Bakar.
On Brunei rendering assistance in the search of the missing six from the sunken catamaran near Pulau Mengalum, Zahid said Malaysia has expressed thanks to the Brunei government for their help.