SABAH and Sarawak will enhance their cooperation in the oil and gas and tourism sectors as both neighbours plan to tap into the socio-economic potential of Indonesia’s relocation of its capital to East Kalimantan. 

Sabah Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal said he and his counterpart, Sarawak Chief Minister Abang Johari Openg, will initiate a cooperation framework between the two East Malaysian states. 

Aside from training and education, further collaboration in the oil and gas industry and in tourism, are on the cards, he said. 

“We will further our roles and strengths (in these areas) and find ways to further help develop the nation. 

“I recall Sabah had once cooperated with Sarawak in the cement industries back in the 1980s,” Shafie told the press at a welcome event for Abang Johari in Kota Kinabalu today.

Both leaders believe their states will get a major boost following Jakarta’s announcement that it would relocate the Indonesian capital to East Kalimantan.

“Sabah and Sarawak can help Malaysia bridge closer cooperation with Indonesia,” Shafie added.

Abang Johari meanwhile said his visit, reciprocating Shafie’s visit to Sarawak recently, was not just to discuss state business but was like a “family visit” as Sabahans and Sarawakians share a lot of things in common.

“I agree with the Sabah chief minister that there is room and space to strengthen the socio-economics of our states through increased interaction with neighbouring Brunei and Indonesia,” he said. 

Indonesian president Joko Widodo in August announced that the capital will be relocated from Jakarta to East Kalimantan, a massive project expected to take 10 years. – October 14, 2019.