Chief Minster Mohd Shafie Apdal said the draft plans would be drawn up so that the development project proposals for the Indonesian border, specifically in Kalabakan, near Tawau and Sipitang, would become part of the 12th Malaysian Plan (2021-2025).

He said work to prepare the framework would include prioritising the development projects, such as inspection posts on the border and constructing a more efficient road network, including in Long Pasia, Sipitang, to ease land connections and spur economic activities on both sides.

‘’We will arrange all these projects, in terms of priority, because we must know the type of developments that will come to the border areas.

“The Indonesians are quick into seeing the need for the construction of a road from Balik Papan to Samarinda, which has been completed.

“We will inform the federal government of the framework in 12MP. If one notices, the infrastructure they have already built is much better than what we have.

“As such, we must make earlier planning so that important infrastructure can be developed,’’ he told a media conference after returning from a three-day visit to Indonesia.

The visit to East Kalimantan and West Kalimantan in Indonesia from Monday, among others, was aimed at firming bilateral ties between the two regions and strengthening co-operation in various economic sectors.

Shafie said the immigration inspection post must be provided as part of efforts to curb human trafficking and smuggling of goods across the border.

The move was also to ensure that the entry of Indonesians into Sabah is legal and not through rat trails, he said.

On the relocation of the Indonesian capital to Kalimantan, Shafie said this would enable the provision of direct flights from Sabah to the region and prompt further growth of the tourism industry since both countries had unique draws for tourists.

On his first visit to the region after being appointed chief minister, Shafie said it was very encouraging and the state government had invited the Kalimantan Timor and Kalimantan Barat governors to visit Sabah.