Malaysia Joins Forces with Brunei to Revolutionize Cross-Border Travel, Immigration, and Tourism for 2025

Published on August 28, 2025

The 26th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders’ Consultation (ALC), held on August 27, 2025, in Putrajaya, Malaysia, brought forward a significant commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah of Brunei co-chaired the meeting, marking another milestone in their longstanding relationship. This high-level summit saw a focus on a wide range of areas, including agriculture, food security, immigration, tourism, and cross-border mobility.

The joint statement following the discussions revealed an ongoing effort to deepen cooperation in strategic sectors. Immigration and tourism were specifically highlighted, showcasing the advancements and initiatives aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring secure border management.

Advancements in Immigration and Cross-Border Mobility

The Brunei-Malaysia Frequent Traveller Programme (BMFTP)

One of the major areas of progress in the realm of immigration is the Brunei-Malaysia Frequent Traveller Programme (BMFTP). This initiative was designed to simplify cross-border travel between Malaysia and Brunei by reducing the reliance on passport stamps and immigration endorsements. It facilitates a smoother and faster transit process for frequent travelers between both countries, directly addressing long-standing concerns about congestion at border checkpoints.

The BMFTP has already proven effective in easing the burden on immigration authorities and travelers alike. As a result, travelers can experience shorter wait times and more efficient movement through the border. This initiative is expected to continue growing and evolve as the two nations work together to streamline travel even further. With increased operational coordination between immigration departments, the programme is poised to become a key tool for enhancing the overall travel experience for those crossing the Malaysia-Brunei border.

Bilateral Immigration Discussions

Further discussions were held at the third bilateral meeting between the Department of Immigration and National Registration of Brunei and the Department of Immigration of Malaysia, which took place on February 18, 2025, in Bandar Seri Begawan. This gathering underscored the shared commitment to improving border security and management. It also addressed critical immigration issues and laid the groundwork for more effective coordination on operational matters.

The meeting reasserted the importance of secure and orderly cross-border movement, which is vital to maintaining safety and facilitating smoother travel. Both leaders expressed a shared commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of the border-crossing process, which directly impacts tourism, trade, and economic growth between both nations.

Efforts to Ease Border Congestion

In an effort to reduce bottlenecks at the Malaysia-Brunei border, the BMFTP is set to continue its expansion. This expansion will ensure that more frequent travelers can benefit from the program, helping to reduce the number of people waiting at immigration counters and further minimizing delays. By improving the efficiency of immigration procedures, Malaysia and Brunei are not only enhancing their tourism sectors but also bolstering overall cross-border economic activity.

Prisoner Transfers and Regional Security

Another key area of collaboration between Malaysia and Brunei has been the implementation of the Treaty on the International Transfer of Prisoners (ITOP), signed in August 2023. The successful execution of the treaty has enabled the transfer of prisoners between the two countries, including the notable transfer of a Bruneian prisoner in February 2025 and six Malaysians in August 2025. These transfers reflect the countries’ commitment to maintaining strong ties and ensuring that justice is served in a manner that respects both nations’ legal systems.

The smooth handling of these transfers highlights the exceptional coordination between both nations, not only in terms of legal processes but also in terms of the broader regional cooperation. This progress is also seen as a foundation for further collaboration in other areas, such as security and law enforcement.

Youth and Sports Cooperation

In addition to advancements in immigration and tourism, both leaders emphasized the strengthening of youth and sports cooperation. Brunei’s active participation in the ASEAN Youth Dialogue and the ASEAN Leaders’ Interface with ASEAN Youth, both of which will take place in Kuala Lumpur in May 2025 under Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, reflects the nations’ commitment to the development of youth leadership, inclusion, and sustainable development.

Both nations also celebrated Brunei’s long-standing involvement in the SUKMA Games, with the country achieving its best-ever performance at SUKMA XXI in Sarawak in 2024. The upcoming Borneo Games, scheduled to take place in Kuching, Sarawak, in September 2025, will see continued collaboration between Malaysia and Brunei, underscoring the role of sports in enhancing the friendship and development opportunities for youth in both countries.

Energy and Trade Cooperation

Beyond tourism and immigration, the leaders of both countries also acknowledged the strength of their energy and trade cooperation. Efforts to enhance energy security through joint ventures and initiatives such as the cross-border power interconnection project between Malaysia and Brunei are proving fruitful. This project, aimed at ensuring a reliable energy supply, marks an important step in strengthening the region’s energy security.

Both Malaysia and Brunei are also focusing on agricultural cooperation, with efforts in joint commercial paddy cultivation and livestock integration. This partnership is aimed at improving food security and building a resilient supply chain, which will benefit both nations while promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The continued development of halal branding is expected to further enhance market access, opening new opportunities for agricultural exports in the region.

Land Border Demarcation

A notable advancement in regional relations is the agreement to complete the demarcation of the F–G sector of the Malaysia-Brunei land border by 2027. This agreement, made during the 26th ALC, follows more than a decade of negotiations and aims to finalize the shared boundary. The completion of this demarcation will contribute to more precise land management and is expected to improve both nations’ operational coordination in border-related matters.

The 26th Malaysia-Brunei Annual Leaders’ Consultation marked a significant step forward in the two countries’ bilateral cooperation, particularly in immigration and tourism. With the implementation of initiatives like the Brunei-Malaysia Frequent Traveller Programme and continued discussions on border management, both nations are making strides toward greater cross-border efficiency and smoother travel experiences for their citizens. Furthermore, the focus on food security, youth development, energy, and trade ensures that the cooperation between Malaysia and Brunei remains multifaceted and dynamic.

As these collaborations unfold, they provide a strong foundation for future advancements that will not only benefit both nations but also enhance the broader regional landscape, contributing to economic, social, and cultural growth in Southeast Asia.