Premier: Biawak border point to be upgraded to boost Sarawak-Kalimantan trade

Abang Johari speaks during the postponement ceremony of Batang Kayan Regatta in Lundu on Sept 27, 2026. Photo credit: Sarawak Information Department (Japen)

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Sept 27: The Biawak border point will be upgraded to strengthen trade and economic cooperation between Sarawak and Indonesia’s Kalimantan, particularly as Borneo becomes increasingly linked to the wider ASEAN economy.

Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the enhanced border point would serve as a channel for closer cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia, with Sarawak expected to benefit from stronger cross-border business ties.

“One matter I want to mention regarding Indonesia is that we will upgrade our border point in Biawak.

“This will become a channel for cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia, and of course, the impact will be felt by Sarawak,” he said in his speech at the postponement ceremony for Batang Kayan Regatta in Lundu today, which was broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Youtube.

Abang Johari also said he had recently been visited by the chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and his delegation, who expressed interest in establishing a Borneo-wide economic cooperation network.

“I was visited by the chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and his team, who want to establish a network of economic cooperation across Borneo.

“Borneo will then be connected to the ASEAN regional economy,” he said.

He said the initiative represented a new opportunity for closer economic cooperation and deeper development across the region.

“This is a new opportunity, an opportunity for cooperation that will create deeper development as we seek to propel our economy forward,” he said. — DayakDaily