LAWAS, March 16 – The construction and upgrading of the road network connecting Sarawak and Sabah is expected to bring great benefits to both states in various sectors, including the economy, trade and tourism.

Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, said that the projects involved include the North Coast Highway, the Sarawak-Sabah Road Network (SSLR) and the Trans Borneo Highway.

According to him, SSLR Phase 1, which involves the Lawas to Long Lopeng Interchange alignment, has been started since August 2021.

Meanwhile, the North Coast Highway Project, which will pass through Brunei Darussalam, is expected to start this year, in addition to the construction of road for the Trans Borneo Highway.

"All these projects will be integrated to improve communication facilities. It will not only boost the economy and trade between Sarawak and Sabah, but also make this area a major hub for movement and infrastructure development," he said.

He said this when met by the media at the Borneo Premier Iftar Ceremony at the Sahabat Mosque, Merapok-Sindumin.

Apart from that, he also emphasised the potential for development of the agriculture, livestock and tourism sectors along the route, especially in Lawas, Sarawak and Sipitang, Sabah.