Kota Kinabalu: The future Serudong gateway is poised to become a major catalyst for tourism, bilateral trade, logistics and cross-border investment between Sabah and North Kalimantan, according to the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia).
Sedia Deputy Chief Executive Ir Dr Chong Vun Leong said the gateway would also strengthen institutional cooperation between Sabah and North Kalimantan while improving access to markets, services and economic opportunities for communities along the border.
“The future Serudong gateway has the potential to facilitate tourism, bilateral trade, logistics and cross-border investment, while strengthening institutional cooperation between Sabah and North Kalimantan.
“It will also improve access to markets, services and economic opportunities for communities in the surrounding areas,” he said when representing Sedia Chief Executive Datuk Seri Hashim Paijan at a press conference for the “30 Years Tribute to Trans Borneo 2026” at Sabah Tourism Board (STB) office, here.
Dr Chong said the gateway will be made possible through the Sabah-Kalimantan border road being developed under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC).
“Upon completion, the road will provide direct access to the proposed Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex at Serudong. This will mark an important step towards the establishment of Sabah’s first formal international land border crossing with Indonesia,” he said.
Dr Chong described the Sabah-Kalimantan border road as a strategic investment that will strengthen regional connectivity and create new economic opportunities, while reflecting Sabah’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure, improving regional competitiveness and ensuring inclusive socio-economic development.
He said the project comes at a strategic time as Indonesia develops Nusantara, its new national capital in East Kalimantan, placing Sabah in a strong position to benefit from enhanced cross-border connectivity.
According to him, the Serudong gateway is expected to unlock opportunities in trade, logistics, investment and overland tourism between Sabah and North Kalimantan.
“This vision aligns closely with the strategic priorities of the SDC and the broader aspirations of Bimp-Eaga, driving economic integration, inclusive growth and sustainable development throughout the region.
“The development of the Serudong gateway is therefore important not only to Sabah, but also forms part of a wider regional vision for a more connected, integrated and prosperous Borneo,” he said.
Dr Chong stressed that the border road is more than just physical infrastructure, describing it as a lifeline connecting rural communities to economic centres, healthcare, education and new business opportunities.
“Infrastructure is far more than concrete, bridges and steel. At its heart, it is about connecting people to opportunities. Most importantly, it can improve lives and create better opportunities for future generations,” he said.
He said the Trans Borneo 2026 expedition demonstrates how sustainable tourism, strategic infrastructure and regional cooperation can strengthen ties across Borneo while showcasing Sabah’s potential as a major international overland tourism gateway.
Dr Chong said Sedia remains committed to working closely with government agencies, tourism authorities, local communities and private-sector partners to support initiatives that deliver sustainable long-term socio-economic benefits for Sabah.
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