KUCHING: Malaysia has proposed establishing a Brunei–Sarawak Special Economic Zone (BS-SEZ) in the wake of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone’s (JS-SEZ) successful development.
The proposal was received with an open and positive attitude among Bruneian legislators, such as Pehin Orang Kaya Indera Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Suyoi Osman, Dayang Chong Chin Yee, Awang Salleh Bostaman Zainal Abidin, and Awang Md. Salleh Othman, who welcomed the huge potential for collaboration and development.
The warm reception sets the stage for more harmony between Sarawak and Brunei, spearheaded by Chiew Choon Man, Miri Member of Parliament and Lee Chean Chung, chairman of the Centre of Regional Strategic Studies (CROSS) and Member of Parliament Select Committee on Finance and Economy, towards a historic alliance to reshape the region’s economic landscape.
The blueprint was drawn from the JS-SEZ, a 3,500-square-kilometre historic agreement to generate 20,000 jobs and increase foreign investment within five years.
The BS-SEZ is seen to take advantage of Brunei’s first-class infrastructure in the form of deep-sea ports and an international airport, as well as Sarawak’s natural resources and skilled manpower.
The complementary strengths of the region make the corridor a powerhouse ASEAN economic corridor that can spur growth in green economy, high-technology manufacturing, and logistics.
The Malaysian delegation emphasised the significance of improved border operations, regulation harmonisation, and cross-border cooperation for effectively exploiting the zone.
Brunei legislators welcomed the proposal, pointing to the potential for win-win opportunities in employment generation, SME development, and improved living standards.
As one of the main components of ASEAN integration and sustainable development, BS-SEZ can be a model of regional economic cooperation for the transformative development of Borneo’s core.
