KOTA KINABALU: Sabah and Sarawak are set to elevate their relationship from informal discussions to a structured, binding strategic cooperation framework — a bold move aimed at accelerating development, unlocking untapped economic potential and positioning Borneo as Malaysia’s next major growth engine.
The landmark decision was confirmed by Deputy Chief Minister II and Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick following a high-level meeting in Kuching recently.
The talks took place during a courtesy call on Sarawak Deputy Premier and Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. Also present was Sarawak Deputy Minister of International Trade, Industry and Investment, Datuk Dr Malcom Mussen Lamoh.
“Under the new arrangement, cooperation will no longer be ad-hoc. It will instead be anchored through regular coordination between senior officials from key ministries in both states, ensuring joint initiatives are properly planned, implemented and monitored to deliver tangible results,” Ewon said.
“Sabah and Sarawak are stronger together than apart. We are not just neighbours — we are natural partners whose resources and strengths complement each other perfectly. Sabah needs Sarawak and Sarawak also needs Sabah to ensure the whole of Borneo progresses faster and stands tall,” he stressed.
“We have agreed to formalise this cooperation, starting at the senior ministry level, so that our plans translate into action, not just words,” Ewon added.
He noted that closer alignment is long overdue. Sabah offers strategic maritime access, abundant natural resources and growing agriculture and tourism sectors, while Sarawak boasts world-class energy infrastructure, established industrial parks and advanced manufacturing capacity.
By combining these advantages, he said the region can compete effectively on both national and global stages.
Ewon emphasised that the partnership is ultimately for the benefit of the people.
“Each state has its own strengths, but working separately limits our potential. By joining forces, we can maximise resources, open new markets, attract greater investments and create more economic opportunities for communities across Borneo. This is the path toward a stronger, more prosperous future for all,” he added.
Key areas of cooperation agreed upon include:Industrial synergy: Streamlining supply chains, avoiding project duplication and building integrated industrial ecosystems;Infrastructure connectivity: Joint planning for roads, power grids, water supply and digital networks to improve cross-border links;Logistics and trade: Smoother movement of goods across borders, with the Sapangar Bay Container Port in Kota Kinabalu designated as a key gateway to reduce transport costs and delivery times for supplies heading to northern Sarawak;Port and transport integration: Optimising port capacities in both states to create a unified logistics hub for East Malaysia.
