OPAR assemblyman Billy Sujang has highlighted the potential for developing Kampung Biawak in Lundu as a border town similar to Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah.
He emphasised the relevance of establishing Land Ports, Agricultural Product Collection, Processing, and Packaging Centres (CPPC), International Bus Transit Stations, Local Service Centres, Duty Free Shops, Factory Outlet Shops, and commercial centres in Biawak to create business opportunities for the local residents.
“I hope that the Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, as well as other relevant ministries and the Malaysian Immigration Department, would study and address these matters to make the development a reality.
“This aligns with the Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 initiative, which aims to promote inclusiveness and economic prosperity in border areas through sustainable development,” he said at the DUN sitting on Friday (May 19).
He pointed out the crucial role of the Biawak International Gateway as a hub for international entry into Sarawak from Aruk Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia.
“With the Indonesian government’s decision to relocate its administrative centre to Kota Nusantara in Central Kalimantan, the importance of Biawak as a border crossing has increased.
“To accommodate the potential overflow from neighbouring countries, upgrading infrastructure and utility facilities such as roads, internet networks, public facilities, quarantine centres, Customs counters, Immigration counters, and screening centres at the Biawak Entrance station is necessary.”
Billy urged swift action to organise and make the Biawak border more competitive, citing information from the Malaysian Immigration Department that indicated a monthly increase of approximately 10,000 people in human movement between these two borders.
“This presents an opportunity to boost the local economy through tourism, medical tourism, and trade transactions.”
