TEBEDU-ENTIKONG ROUTE REOPENING TO BOOST CROSS-BORDER TRADE, BENEFIT SMES -- SBF
By Zaphne Philip
KUCHING, Oct 29 (Bernama) -- The reopening of the Tebedu-Entikong trade route could significantly stimulate economic activity, boost cross-border trade, and attract investment between Sarawak and West Kalimantan, the Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) said.
Its president Datuk Jonathan Chai Voon Tok said improved connectivity and more efficient border operations could reduce logistics costs, expand market access, strengthen supply chains, and create new investment opportunities across various economic sectors.
“The reopening of the trade route has substantial potential to increase trade, investment and regional economic activity. Sarawak and West Kalimantan are geographically close and possess complementary economic strengths.
“Sectors that could benefit include agriculture and food production, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, transportation and logistics, warehousing, tourism and hospitality,” he told Bernama.
On Oct 9, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling Budget 2027, said Malaysia and Indonesia had agreed to expedite the reopening of the Tebedu-Entikong trade route, alongside continued upgrades to road infrastructure along the Sabah and Sarawak borders with Kalimantan to facilitate two-way movement.
Meanwhile, Chai said the reopening could also give small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sarawak opportunities to access new markets, establish cross-border partnerships, join regional supply chains, and expand their operations.
“To maximise these opportunities, both governments should establish dedicated SME facilitation measures, including one-stop advisory services, simplified registration and licensing, business-matching programmes, trade missions, market intelligence and assistance with customs and product compliance.
“A joint implementation mechanism should be established immediately, bringing together federal, state and provincial authorities, customs, border-security agencies and business representatives to monitor progress and resolve operational obstacles,” he said.
Chai said both governments should also harmonise trade procedures, strengthen customs capacity, deploy efficient digital clearance systems and remove unnecessary regulatory barriers to ensure smoother cross-border trade.
“Clear performance indicators, including trade volumes, clearance times, investment levels, business participation and SME access, should be established, with progress reviewed regularly and corrective action taken when targets are not met,” he said.
He added that SBF is ready to contribute industry expertise and facilitate engagement with the business community to support deeper economic integration between Sarawak and West Kalimantan.
-- BERNAMA
