RM1 billion not enough to develop border facilities in S’wak, says Premier

Abang Johari speaking to reporters while his deputy Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (right) and others look on at the 'Gabenor Pertama Sarawak Tun Openg' book launch ceremony at Hikmah Exchange in Kuching on Aug 4, 2024.

By Christopher Lidom

KUCHING, Aug 4: The RM1 billion allocation from the federal government to develop border facilities in Sarawak is not enough, says Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

Abang Johari said that, however, the Sarawak government will focus on what has been allocated to upgrade the existing border entries, namely in Tebedu-Entikong in Serian, Biawak-Aruk in Lundu, and Ba’Kelalan, including for the construction of new border entry in Kapit, Tapak Megah.

“We’ll focus on the border first. For road connectivity, it will come later because the cost is quite high,” he told reporters when met after the ‘Gabenor Pertama Sarawak Tun Openg’ book launching ceremony held at Hikmah Exchange here today.

Yesterday (Aug 3), Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the RM1 billion allocation provided by the federal government for developing facilities along the Malaysia-Indonesia border has yet to be fully utilised by the relevant ministries and agencies.

Abang Johari said the development of border entries in Sarawak will start with Tebedu-Entikong.

He said the Sarawak government also has volunteered to assist by bearing half of the development cost with the federal government to expedite development.

According to him, a dual-carriageway will be built in Tebedu and connected to the Tebedu Industrial Estate.

“For that, we can do it, and we can also invest there,” he added.

When asked when the development will be implemented, Abang Johari said it will start as soon as possible.

“I think we have to do it quickly. Because Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, will develop, and it will affect us,” he said. — DayakDaily