TAWAU – The Sabah Local Government and Housing Ministry plans to intensify the development of Tawau as a border town to reap economic benefits as Indonesia prepares to move its capital to Kalimantan.
Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said developing Tawau as a border town is better than building a new town, as the state works to gain economic benefits from the development of Nusantara.
He said Tawau is already equipped with infrastructure, including an airport and port, as well as other basic facilities such as roads and water supply.
“Personally I and everyone else, including the Tawau Municipal Council, agree with the approach to develop Tawau, so there is no need for the government to invest more money in building a new town. We just need to rebuild Tawau and make it a better place.
“We will build better facilities, and have good quality roads connecting Tawau with the Indonesian border, so that tourists from the republic’s district will be attracted to visit Tawau for the purpose of tourism and other businesses,” he told reporters after launching the municipal council’s compound reduction campaign here today.
However, he said the construction of the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex in Serudong, Kalabakan – the entry point to Simanggaris, Indonesia – still needs to be implemented for cross-border inspections.
Meanwhile, Masidi said the proposal by the Tawau Municipal Council to establish an international cultural centre in Tawau next year, would be presented to Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Mohd Noor for his consideration.
“This is a good move in building a new and modern image for Tawau and in reviving the town as an activity centre in the archipelago between Indonesia and Tawau, Sabah,” he added. – Bernama, August 12, 2022
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