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Daily Express
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Express
MP: Sandakan risks losing economic spillovers
Published on: Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Published on: Tue, Aug 12, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Vivian also called for the construction of an integrated border checkpoint between Sandakan and Kalimantan to speed up cross-border trade and strengthen the East Coast's role as a key logistics hub within the Bimp-Eaga growth zone. Kuala Lumpur: Sandakan MP Vivian Wong warned that Malaysia risks missing out on economic spillovers from rapid development in Kalimantan and the growth of international shipping routes if action is not taken soon. 'Sandakan's potential is already clear. The government must act now,' she said, when debating the 13th Malaysia Plan in parliament. Advertisement Vivian also said the development imbalance in Sabah has persisted for too long, despite the East Coast being home to nearly half the state's population. 'Sandakan, as the second-largest city in Sabah, has a unique strategic advantage, it has both an international port and airport, rich natural resources, and is located at the heart of the East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) economic corridor,' she said. She proposed that Sandakan be declared a Special Economic Zone to attract investments in downstream and manufacturing industries, which would in turn create more quality job opportunities for locals. Vivian also called for the construction of an integrated border checkpoint between Sandakan and Kalimantan to speed up cross-border trade and strengthen the East Coast's role as a key logistics hub within the Bimp-Eaga growth zone. 'This could place the East Coast of Sabah as a key development focus in the regional growth map and reinforce Malaysia's position in Asean,' she said. She also highlighted the green and blue economy potential in Sandakan, given its abundant marine resources and reputation as a world-class ecotourism destination. 'Sandakan has the potential to become the country's centre for fisheries, cruise tourism and green trade. But to realise this, infrastructure development must be prioritised.' Among her proposals were the construction of a dedicated tourist terminal to nearby islands such as Pulau Berhala and Pulau Selingan, the opening of direct international flight routes from Sandakan to Hong Kong, Guangzhou or Singapore, and upgrading of the Sandakan Airport. On maritime development, Vivian urged that Sandakan be developed as a 'Makassar Strait Transshipment Hub,' in line with its strategic location along a key shipping route between China and Australia. 'The LKIM fisheries complex must be equipped with proper landing jetties, cold storage facilities, and a stable supply of subsidised diesel. 'In addition, dredging works must be carried out at the Sandakan Port and Berhala Strait to allow large vessels to dock,' she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Rafizi spotted at Asean Summit amid questions over political future
KUALA LUMPUR: Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli attended the 46th Asean Summit and Related Summits today in his official capacity. He was present at the 16th Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) Summit, which began at 8am in Conference Hall 2 of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Also present were Malaysian Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan. The summit was also attended by other Asean leaders, including the Sultan of Brunei, Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, and the Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Rafizi was spotted leaving the conference hall without engaging with the media. His press secretary, Farhan Iqbal, told the New Straits Times yesterday that the minister would continue to fulfill his responsibilities. Previously, Rafizi had pledged to resign from the cabinet if he failed to defend his position as PKR deputy president in the party elections. He was defeated by Nurul Izzah Anwar, who secured 9,803 votes.
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
BIMP-EAGA fuels trade, investment and energy growth: Marcos Jr
KUALA LUMPUR: The joint initiatives under the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) have played a vital role in narrowing the development gap within the sub-region. These efforts have been particularly impactful in connectivity, trade and investment facilitation, as well as food and energy security, said Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Other areas that have seen significant progress since BIMP-EAGA was launched in 1994 include ecotourism and green development, he said. "As we convene today, let us take this opportunity not only to celebrate these milestones but also to affirm our shared vision for a more integrated, prosperous and resilient BIMP-EAGA. "The path ahead calls for even greater synergy, innovation and political will. I am confident that through our cooperation, we will continue to transform these aspirations into a lasting impact for our people," said Marcos, who chaired the 16th BIMP-EAGA Summit held here today. Also present were Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sultan of Brunei Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, and Indonesia President Prabowo Subianto. He noted that the 46th Asean Summit this year in Kuala Lumpur holds special significance, as it marks eight years of progress since the adoption of Vision 2025. Cooperation among BIMP-EAGA members has deepened since 2017, yielding tangible benefits for communities across the region, he said, adding: "Together, we have laid down stronger foundations for inclusive, sustainable and innovation-driven growth." BIMP-EAGA, he said, has reinforced the commitment to continuously narrow the development gap in the sub-region. The BIMP-EAGA initiative boosts growth in trade, investment and tourism through new intra-regional shipping routes and air links, as well as power interconnection projects. Other key areas of cooperation include agribusiness, tourism, the environment and socio-cultural education. According to its website, the sub-region covers all of Brunei; the provinces of Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Maluku and West Papua of Indonesia; Malaysia's Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan; and, for the Philippines, the island of Mindanao and the province of Palawan. These areas are geographically distant from national capitals, yet strategically close to one another. They account for over 60 per cent of the land area of the BIMP-EAGA countries, yet make up about 18.8 per cent of the total population and 18.4 per cent of the labour force. BIMP-EAGA's economy grew by 7.7 per cent in 2022. Its gross domestic product (GDP) at current prices was valued at US$392.1 billion (US$1 = RM4.24), accounting for 18.9 per cent of the combined GDP of the four countries. As of October 2023, the number of priority infrastructure projects (PIPs) under BIMP-EAGA had tripled to 129, amounting to US$38.87 billion, up from only 57 projects in 2017 when BIMP-EAGA Vision 2025 was adopted.
Barnama
25-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
AirBorneo Carries Sarawak's Wish For Better ASEAN Connectivity
KUCHING, April 25 (Bernama) -- Sarawak's very own airline, AirBorneo, which is scheduled to commence operation next year, carries the state's aspiration to enhance regional connectivity among the ASEAN nations, Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said. He said the move to run its own airline is one of the state's efforts to strengthen regional collaboration with fellow ASEAN members, particularly to boost trade, investment, and tourism by leveraging its strategic location, abundant resources, and cultural ties to drive regional growth and uplift livelihoods. 'In line with our aspirations for regional connectivity, Sarawak is proud to announce the upcoming launch of our airline, AirBorneo, scheduled to commence operations in 2026,' he said in his speech at the 33rd ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) Council Meeting's gala dinner here last night. The text of the speech was read out by his deputy, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Abang Johari also said that their commitment to enhance air connectivity would make travelling and doing business with major and capital cities across ASEAN faster and easier. He said that the development of a new international airport, and also a deep-sea port in Tanjung Embang, Kota Samarahan, would transform Sarawak into a regional aviation and marine hub. This will improve air and sea connectivity while increasing the state's appeal to the business community, investors and tourists, he added. Abang Johari said Sarawak could also play a vital role in strengthening the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), which is a subregional initiative to complement ASEAN's broader economic integration agenda. 'Our shared land borders with Brunei Darussalam and Kalimantan, Indonesia, open doors for cross-border economic development through strategic initiatives.
