Sarawak ready to assist in devt of border areas

KUCHING: The Sarawak government is ready to assist the federal government in the development of basic infrastructure along the Malaysia-Kalimantan border.

Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state government was collaborating with the federal government in developing the border areas.

“This is especially in the Tebedu-Entikong area and also in Ba’Kelalan area. The Prime Minister has made an allocation of RM1 billion for the entire border area. What is needed now is implementation.

“And in Sarawak, I have promised to start with Tebedu-Entikong area. We are agreeable to help one to one. Meaning, we can help on 50-50 basis to expedite the border area,” he said.

He said this when met by reporters after the launch of Tun Openg: Sarawak First Governor Biography at Hikmah Exchange Event Centre here on Sunday.

Abang Johari emphasised that the Sarawak government was willing to invest in necessary infrastructure in Tebedu-Entikong area which already has dual carriageway and an industrial area.

“I would like to thank the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for the allocation of RM1billion. The amount is not only for Tebedu-Entikong. It is also for Ba’Kelalan and a new border post in Tapak Megah, Kapit.

Abang Johari urged for swift action, mentioning that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof has been instructed by the Prime Minister to coordinate the implementation efforts.

“We need to act quickly because the development of Nusantara will impact us.

“The allocation is already there. What are we waiting for?” asked Abang Johari.

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 had stated that the approval for this funding followed discussions with Indonesian President Joko Widodo regarding the relocation of Indonesia’s capital, which shares a border with both Sarawak and Sabah.