Trans Borneo Expressway project economic catalyst for Sabah, Sarawak, says minister

The 165km Trans Borneo Expressway project will link Sabah and Sarawak to East Kalimantan. (Bernama pic)

KOTA KINABALU: The 165km Trans Borneo Expressway project linking Sabah and Sarawak to East Kalimantan will spur economic growth in both states.

Works Minister Baru Bian said among the key components of the project were the RM600 million package for the 40km road stretch between Kalabakan and Serudong in Tawau and the construction of the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security Complex and government quarters at the Kalimantan border.

“Indonesia is shifting its capital to East Kalimantan and following my meeting with (Indonesian) President Jokowi last September, we were informed that the development process will begin next year,” he told reporters after the Works Ministry Media Appreciation Night and CIDB Media Awards 2019 here last night.

Baru said the ministry always took into account environmental issues involved in the construction of highways, especially in forest areas, on its impact to wildlife. - FMT