Malaysia-Brunei officer-level discussion planned in March - Ahmad Zahid

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said it was hoped that the discussion could ease the business of border crossing between Brunei and Sabah and Sarawak, especially with the impending completion of the Pan Borneo Highway.

He cited the 16 check points travellers from Sabah to Sarawak had to go through for a return journey because the route is through Brunei.

A new approach with the assistance of Brunei was needed to facilitate travel involving the two Malaysian states, he said.

"It is a continuation of the agreement and understanding between Malaysia and Brunei.

"The discussion will facilitate the standard operation procedures in the aspect of methods and technical issues and the laws, especially when the Pan Borneo Highway is fully completed," he said.

Ahmad Zahid said this at a media conference after a meeting with Brunei Home Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Setia Awang Abu Bakar Apong at a leading hotel here Tuesday.

Earlier, Ahmad Zahid, who is here on a one-day visit, had paid a courtesy call on the Sultan of Brunei Sultan Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah at Istana Nurul Iman here.

The Deputy Prime Minister, who is also Home Minister, said the March meeting would also touch on the transfer of convicts between Sabah and Sarawak as Brunei wanted clear standard operating procedures on this taking into consideration the the legal and security aspects.

"The discussion will also address the issue of intelligence information sharing and methods to overcome cross-border crimes and terrorists, especially terrorists involved in Katibah Nusantara on the run," he said.

"We will do our level best without disturbing the existing legal systems, but there is a specific understanding at the operational level which will be implemented by both nations," he added.

He said the Malaysia-Brunei annual consultation which was planned for September or November was also expected to solve numerous issues due to the firm ties between the leadership of both nations.

Meanwhile, Ahmad Zahid also thanked Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah for using a S92 helicopter S92 and a ship to search for victims of the catamaran tragedy off the coast of Sabah, in its waters.

Ahmad Zahid also met the sultanate's Energy and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Awang Setia Awang Mohammad Yasmin Umar.