Ewon (second right) introduces the Sabah delegation to Awang Tengah (second left). Malcom is at left. – Ukas photo
KUCHING (June 26): Sabah and Sarawak are set to strengthen strategic cooperation in a more structured and formal manner to accelerate development across the Borneo region, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister II Datuk Ewon Benedick.
A Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report quoted Ewon as saying the cooperation would initially focus on coordination among senior officials from ministries in both states to enhance the implementation of joint initiatives.
He pointed out closer collaboration between Sabah and Sarawak is crucial as both states complemented each other in terms of resources, infrastructural facilities, and economic development potential that could benefit the wider Borneo region.
“Sabah needs Sarawak and Sarawak also needs Sabah to ensure that the Borneo region develops better through stronger cooperation.
“We have agreed to formalise this cooperation, beginning at the level of senior ministry officials in Sabah and Sarawak,” said Ewon, who is also Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation.
He said this after paying a courtesy call on Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who is also Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment here.
On the meeting, Ewon said discussions covered efforts to strengthen cooperation in the industrial sector, given the interdependence between the two states in supply chains and industrial development.
The collaboration would also involve better coordination in key areas such as road infrastructure, utilities, ports, logistics, and industrial development, he said.
Ewon added the meeting also touched on coordination of logistics and movement of goods in border areas, including the use of Sapangar Bay Container Port as a strategic route for transporting construction materials to northern Sarawak.
“Both states have their own strengths and by working together, we can maximise our resources and create greater economic opportunities for the people of Borneo,” he said.
Among those present was Sarawak Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Dr Malcom Mussen Lamoh.
