ISSUES related to security and economic development were discussed during the meeting involving the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) and Sabah delegates.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili, said the two-hour meeting also touched on matters related to the large presence of illegal immigrants in Sabah and foreign workers from neighbouring countries, as well as the latest development in BIMP-EAGA.
“We talked about Indonesia’s proposal to move its capital to Nusantara in Kalimantan, its economic spillovers and effects on Sabah, as well as the challenges ahead. We are looking forward to our visit there, soon.
“Also, we looked at the potential of the coconut industry in the southern Philippines, among others,” he said.
Ongkili said this in a statement after receiving a courtesy call from BIMP-EAGA Sabah delegates, led by its Special Envoy Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia, in Kota Kinabalu on Feb 24.
He reiterated that both Sabah and Sarawak could play a major role in revitalising the BIMP-EAGA as potential solutions for socio-economic recovery, adding that such move would benefit both states economically.
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