KOTA KINABALU: The construction of the Trans Borneo Highway, which is expected to start work soon linking the interiors of Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia, will take into account environmental concerns, says Works Minister Baru Bian.
“It is very important for us to make sure that the concerns of wildlife corridors, which could be affected in the construction of this road, are addressed, ” he said, referring to the 40km stretch between Kalabakan and Serudung in Sabah.
As the road would pass through forest reserves and other wildlife dense areas, he said much was being done to ensure the environmental impact would be minimised.
Once Indonesia moved its capital from Java to Kalimantan in phases starting next year, other parts of Borneo, namely Sabah and Sarawak, would benefit in terms of economic growth, he said.
"The connectivity is something that would bring people closer together as well, ” he added.
“There will be tourism opportunities, upgrading of roads and other facilities, better connectivity, economy and many more, ” Baru said at a media night here last Friday.
