18 chops, so Bruneians prefer Sarawak

Published on: Sunday, October 09, 2022

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Brunei reclaimed and enlarged Pulau Menara and built a US$21billion petroleum complex.

CONGRATULATIONS to our Chief Minister for his meeting and commitment to forge a better relationship between Sabah and Brunei. However, the stumbling block is still the 8 chops one way for Bruneians to visit Sabah and 16 chops to and fro.

During the Berjaya time, there were only two (2) chops. Entering Malaysia Border (Sarawak) and another upon returning to Brunei at the same Malaysia Border (Sarawak).

The sixteen (16) chops have been introduced by Sarawak and Sabah over the last twenty (20) years.

This is not understood as there is only one (1) International border between Brunei and Malaysia. Surely a foreign country only needs one (1) chop not eight (8) chops.

It is strange that Sarawak went along with Sabah to introduce immigration control at 8 locations, therefore, requiring 8 chops for one way and 16 chops for a return trip. Bruneians visiting Sarawak only need 2 chops, one for entry and the other to exit. This is under International Law.

Sabah must not underestimate Brunei as far behind Sabah or Sarawak. Brunei is a very progressive nation. It has ten (10) factories producing various beef products, Solar making factory and others. All these are joint ventures with foreigners mostly from China.

The issue of sixteen (16) chops for Bruneians to visit Sabah over the last twenty (20) years must be a deliberate sabotage by Sarawak. The 16 chops has resulted in Bruneians preferring to visit Miri in Sarawak which only require the one (1) chop to cross the International Border. Sarawak has more Bruneian visitors than Sabah because of Immigration control.

Pulau Muara was reclaimed and enlarged to 10 times its original size. The US$21 billion Petroleum Complex is now complete.

Fortune Magazine published full details in its August/September 2021 issue. A photo from Fortune Magazine is attached herewith.

Understand it is now completed. Muara is at the month of Brunei Bay (Sipitang). Muara is now a Free Port and Duty Free Island. This effectively downgrades Labuan and Sipitang which shares the same bay area.

Based on these facts no matter what discussion took place between the Chiefs of Brunei and Sabah or even Prime Ministers, it is still 16 chops to cross one border.

Sabah must partly accept blame for imposing such illogical immigration controls within its own state. Sarawak will happily go along with the idea as it benefits them directly.

It appears this absurdity for Bruneians needing 16 chops to visit Sabah will last forever. Apa boleh buat lah! Everyone is happy.

Awang Saat

- The views expressed here are the views of the writer Awang Saat and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express.

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