The reopening of Brunei’s land and sea borders for non-essential travel on Monday marks another step forward in the Endemic Phase of the National COVID-19 Recovery Framework, bringing the nation closer towards normalcy, just like pre-pandemic times.
At the Sungai Tujoh Control Post in Belait District this morning, the Bulletin witnessed a steady stream of light traffic from Brunei crossing the border towards Miri, Sarawak.
Many individuals passing through the Sungai Tujoh Control Post that morning expressed their joy in seeing the borders finally reopening after two years.
Zulfahmi bin Azali, a Malaysian national from Kuala Lumpur currently residing in Kampung Panaga, Kuala Belait, expressed his gratitude and joy in being able to cross the border for leisure. “This is my first time crossing the border since two-and-a-half years ago in Brunei, so I’m using the land border to go to Miri,” he said
He also added that the trip to the control post was seamless with very little traffic. “It is now very easy and simple now, it’s a very good sign. Hopefully, it can be maintained, with no more lockdown, no more pandemic.”
Meanwhile at the Kuala Lurah Control Post in Brunei-Muara District, the Bulletin observed very light traffic between 6am and noon, with most of the vehicles crossing Malaysian-registered vehicles and well as commercial vehicles.
Senior Immigration Officer Haji Md Aimin bin Haji Md Yassin at the Kuala Lurah Control Post noted that since they began operations this morning, there were not much border-crossing activities, and they saw mostly Malaysians returning home to their villages in Limbang or transiting via Limbang to Temburong and Lawas, and commercial vehicles passing through the country to cross over to Malaysia.
A similar situation was also seen in both the Labu Control Post in Temburong District.
Travellers to ensure that all relevant documentation are in-order to ensure smooth passage through the control post. Land and sea control posts open from 6am to 6pm daily.
More details on Tuesday’s Borneo Bulletin
