In a statement issued on December 7, the Sarawak Ministry of Transport expressed its joy at Brunei Government’s latest decision. Brunei recently revised the exit and entry system (EES) service charge (CaP) as a way to reduce the inconvenience faced by its citizens.
The statement from the Sarawak ministry welcomed this change because it was the root of major problems faced by people, particularly the Sarawakians crossing the border between Miri, Limbang, and Lawas.
With the introduction of the new law, the situation is expected to improve drastically. Additionally, the change is also expected to have a positive impact on the import and export of goods. It will also, in due course, intensify economic activities between Sarawak and Brunei.
The official statement spoke about how the law could strengthen ties between Sarawak and the Sultanate. It further stated that the ministry had received an official statement from the Consulate General of Brunei Darussalam mentioning December 12 as the date the law comes into effect.
The revised CaP includes the following details: For one-way travel, CaP is BND3 for vehicles with seven or lesser number of people, including the driver; BND6 for those with 8 to 25 people; and BND10 for those carrying over 25 people. The service charge for commercial vehicles that do not require an X-ray scan is BND6, while those with a need for inspection would be charged BND10 each way.
CaP applies to all vehicles passing through control posts except pedestrians. The list includes everything from bicycles and motorcycles to emergency vehicles, hearses, and even the vehicles owned by Brunei and foreign governments and diplomats.