Lukewarm response to RM1b for border facilities

KUCHING: The government’s allocation of RM1 billion to develop basic infrastructure along the Malaysia-Kalimantan border has seen a slow uptake.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof assured that he will be discussing the matter with the Sarawak and Sabah state governments, as well as the implementing agencies, to get a detailed update.

As such, he stressed the need to be prepared in terms of identifying the opportunities and avenues available for the country to establish relationships between the two nations.

“In terms of business opportunities, we need to explore what areas we can engage in. With Nusantara becoming a central city and administrative hub, I am confident there will be a significant increase in population.

“In Sarawak and Sabah, particularly, we need to enhance our facilities. Currently, many tourists from Indonesia are visiting us for health and education reasons.

“If we create the right space, I am sure we will also benefit from this influx,” he told the media after officiating at the Flying The Jalur Gemilang Flag ceremony in conjunction with the National Month at the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Convention Centre here today.

Fadillah, who is the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation made these remarks when asked about the federal government’s efforts to balance development in Sarawak and Sabah with Nusantara.

This follows Indonesian President Joko Widodo’s official commencement of work from Nusantara, the country’s future capital in East Kalimantan province, on Monday (July 29).

The RM1 billion allocation, announced on January 20, last year aims to upgrade the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex  and improve road access in the border areas.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the approval for this funding followed discussions with Widodo regarding the relocation of Indonesia’s capital, which shares a border with both Sarawak and Sabah.

Anwar called for immediate action plans and requested a current progress report on the development efforts.