MIRI: Malaysia and Brunei will form a joint-technical committee to look into ways to reduce immigration procedures for travellers transiting between Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak said today.

He added that the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, has principally agreed to the reduction of immigration red tape to accommodate the Pan Borneo Highway project in Sarawak and Sabah.

“At the moment, travellers from Sabah and Sarawak who wish to visit Brunei must pass through eight immigration checkpoints – (four each in) Brunei and Malaysia.

“People from Brunei must have their passport stamped 16 times for a return trip between Brunei and Sarawak. The same applies for Malaysians.

“During my recent discussions over the matter, the Sultan of Brunei has principally agreed for the formation of the joint-technical committee to look into ways to ease immigration procedures with regard to passport checking.

“This matter is being looked into (by the Bruneians) and we will wait for the (final decision) soon,” Najib said during a press conference here today.

Earlier, the prime minister had officiated the launch of the last eight work packages for the first phase of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak. The packages, costing RM12.5 billion, are among 11 work packages in the first phase of the project, with a total cost of RM16.5 billion.

Najib, who is also Finance Minister, said he is satisfied with the progress of the first phase of the project in Sarawak, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2021.

“I am very satisfied with the project, which is moving according to schedule.

“And (we, the Federal Government), have proven ourselves not only (able to) implement mega projects for the people, but also to complete them according to schedule and on budget.

“Based on the structure of the project, the (onus) will be on the Project Delivery Partner, which has to ensure that the highway is completed on time,” he added.