Clearing the way for smoother travel between East Malaysia, Brunei

Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan announced plans to simplify immigration procedures at border checkpoints in an effort to enhance cross-border travel between Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei. At the recent inter-government meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, officials discussed the need to streamline eight immigration checkpoints that travelers currently have to pass through on their way back to Malaysia.

Mohamad stated that technical committees from both nations have been tasked with finding the most effective methods to ease cross-border travel. So far, about 50% of outstanding issues related to the land boundary between the two countries have been resolved, with a focus on ground-level demarcation. The demarcation will adhere to the 2009 terms of reference and the technical committee's assessments, which will serve as the foundation for finalizing the land boundary.

Additionally, issues concerning cooperation between Malaysia's state oil company, Petronas Carigali, and Brunei's oil company have been resolved. Gas production from the Kledang deepwater exploration project is expected to begin in early 2029.