Sabah enjoys three Kalimantan entry points

Arthur (centre) with the co-founders of Macrokiosk during the Muhibbah Award ceremony.

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah now boasts three officially recognised border crossings into Kalimantan, Indonesia.

These are the West Coast Crossing through the Sabah-Sarawak Link Road connecting with the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway to Kalimantan.

Secondly, the Simanggaris Crossing, located on the east coast, closer to Tawau and third being the Pensiangan Crossing, an interior border crossing.

This was disclosed by Pensiangan MP Datuk Arthur Kurup at the Muhibbah Award ceremony held at Marudu Inn, Kota Marudu where Sister Dorothy Laudi was honoured as the sole recipient from Sabah.

Arthur highlighted the border development, which is to strengthen economic and social ties between Sabah and upcoming Nusantara (new capital), in Kalimantan.

He said the infrastructure upgrade is expected to boost trade, economic, tourism, and cultural exchanges, providing new opportunities for local businesses and communities.

Arthur said the ongoing road construction would improve accessibility in Pensiangan, where the first phase covers over 190-km from Sapulut to Salong and to Pekan Pegalungan.

“The second phase extends from Kg Tinanduk, where one of Sister Dorothy’s kindergartens is located.

The third phase would reach Kg Bantul, the exact location to Kalimantan border. Clearing work has commenced, and the project is now in its second phase.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently approved the construction of a new CIQC (Customs, Immigration, Quarantine Centre) near Kg Bantul, Arhur said.

He stated the development would significantly enhance mobility, making it easier to transport goods, including construction materials and electricity.

He also mentioned the addition of more telecommunications towers around Salung and Pegalungan, improving internet connectivity in the previously underserved areas.

Arhur commended Sister Dorothy Laudi for her dedication in establishing preschools in rural areas where two kindergartens currently operate in Pensiangan, namely Kg Magatang, with good road access, internet coverage, and electricity, as it is closer to Keningau township.

As for Kg Tinanduk, it is situated near the Kalimantan border, it is highly remote with limited access.

He expressed admiration for Sister Dorothy’s commitment to Kg Tinanduk, an area that previously had no road access, electricity, or internet.

“We have started constructing a sealed road that will extend to Kg Tinanduk and further to the Kalimantan border, facilitating better connectivity and access.

“The new border crossing at Kg Bantul is expected to enhance economic activities with Kalimantan especially as Indonesia transitions its national capital to Nusantara.

“If we don’t plan properly, we risk being left behind as our neighbour grows.

“With Kalimantan set to grow rapidly, our infrastructure development is crucial in benefiting from potential economic spillovers.

“That is why we are prioritising infrastructure development to tap into economic opportunities from Kalimantan and uplift our communities.”

Arthur also disclosed the construction of a new coffee factory in Sepulut, supporting local farmers and generating job opportunities.

“Coffee is a major product among subsistence farmers here, and the factory is expected to boost the local economy.”

He also pledged to visit the two kindergartens in Pensiangan and work with teachers to identify potential students for higher education.

He promised to assist with pre-entrance expenses for university-bound students, including covering costs for laptops and airfare, to ensure access to further education.

“Your efforts in remote areas help us identify talented students and provide them with opportunities for a brighter future,” he said, emphasising the positive impact Sister Dorothy’s work has on the community.

He also expressed his gratitude to corporate sponsors like Macrokiosk for recognising unsung heroes such as Sister Dorothy.