THE Sarawak Border Area Development Master Plan is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Deputy Premier and Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said the Study will identify priority projects, including the proposed upgrading of Biawak ICQS.

He said that the implementation will be phased, subject to funding and necessary approvals.

“To further strengthen economic ties with West Kalimantan, the proposed Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Pontianak, targeted to commence operations in 2027, will facilitate trade, investment, tourism and business partnerships,” he said.

He said this in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today (Oct 21).

Earlier, he said that cross-border trade is an important driver of economic growth, creating market opportunities for local businesses, particularly SMEs, attracting investment and generating employment in border communities.

“In this regard, I welcome the Prime Minister’s announcement under the Federal Budget 2027 to expedite the reopening of commercial trade through Tebedu–Entikong.

“My ministry will pursue this matter and to continue working closely with Federal and Indonesian authorities to facilitate and expedite trade normalisation,” he said.

He added that the Sarawak government had widened road access to the border and would continue engaging the federal government to pursue the upgrading of the Tebedu ICQS complex and improve cross-border connectivity.