Tasik Biru rep calls for continued growth to position Bau as Sarawak–Kalimantan trade hub

Henry (fifth right) and others during the Chinese New Year decorations lighting up ceremony in Bau town on Feb 1, 2026. Photo: Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas)

By Jacob Achoi

BAU, Feb 2: Tasik Biru assemblyman Dato Henry Harry Jinep has expressed a desire for Bau to continue growing so that it could become a trading hub between Sarawak and Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Speaking during the Chinese New Year decorations lighting up ceremony in Bau town on Sunday (Feb 1), Henry said that Bau’s population has grown over the past decade, rising from 68,000 in 2016 to the current 76,000, and hoped it would continue to grow.

He also noted that Bau has seen major changes over the past 10 years, with small and medium industries expanding rapidly due to the hard work of the people and living in peace and harmony.

“We will continue to bring in investors and economic activities to Bau for the benefit of all the people,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Maritime) also said he was touched by the participation of other communities in setting up for the event, as it was a mark of the lively co-existence of communities from different races and faiths in Bau.

Henry said, aside from the Chinese, the Bidayuh and Malays have lent a helping hand with the setup, which augurs well for continued peace and harmony among the various races in the district.

“The event is important to the Chinese community here (in Bau), and the participation of other communities just shows the way we live in harmony, which is an important element for us to develop Bau socially and economically,” he said.

Henry, who is also the Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Maritime), said the event is also a significant moment for the Chinese community as it marks 206 years since their arrival in Bau from Sambas, Indonesia. — DayakDaily