LIMBANG: Deputy Transport Minister Hasbi Habibollah said he believes Sarawakians residing in the border areas play an important role in helping to defend the country's sovereignty, especially as the eyes and ears of the government.
He said Limbang's position bordering Brunei gives the local community its own advantages in building good relations, besides jointly contributing to the peace and progress of the border area.
"The important thing is that we respect the borders of our neighbours, do not carry out activities that are against the laws of both countries.
"We also have good relations between the Malaysian government and the Brunei government, as well as between the Sarawak government and the Brunei Government, very good," he said during his speech at the UKAS 2026 Outreach Programme closing ceremony: Empowering the Limbang Division Border Community yesterday.
He said that the close relations between Malaysia and Brunei, especially in the border areas, have opened up space for various forms of cooperation that benefit the communities of both countries, including in the fields of economy, trade, tourism and development.
Adding that, the good relations also provide Sarawak with an opportunity to learn best practices and progress made by neighbouring countries in the aspects of development, education and services that can be adapted to local needs.
According to him, the Limbang community also has the opportunity to take advantage of the strategic position of the area by establishing economic and trade relations with neighbouring countries, including bringing local products to market in Brunei.
In the meantime, he reminded the young people not to be easily fooled by offers that could cause them to be used as 'drug mules' to bring prohibited goods across border.
He said, the younger generation needs to be wary of any suspicious offers and not take risks that could affect their future and personal safety.
“People in border areas need to play a role in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty by continuing to be the eyes and ears of the authorities, especially by reporting any suspicious activities that could affect public safety and order,” he added.
Meanwhile, 28 residents in the Batu Danau constituency received approval notification letters or identity documents through the Registration and Identification Programme.
The UKAS 2026 Outreach Programme also featured talks and exhibitions by various Federal and State agencies to raise public awareness of their roles in safeguarding the security and sovereignty of the country’s borders.
Also present were Batu Danau State Legislative Member (SLM) Paulus Palu Gumbang, Deputy Director of the Sarawak Public Communications Unit (UKAS), Mohamed Faizal Shah Ali, Deputy Resident of Limbang Division, Marie Rozita Kulai and Limbang District Officer, Sulaiman Engal.
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