The Limbang-Lawas 2026–2035 masterplan will be modelled after a Central European cross-border economic framework developed by the Hungarian government.
KUCHING: Sarawak is developing a 10-year masterplan to transform the Limbang and Lawas districts at the Sarawak–Sabah border into a cross-border economic powerhouse by 2035.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hassan said the Limbang-Lawas 2026–2035 masterplan will be modelled after a Central European cross-border economic framework developed by the Hungarian government.
He said the state government was impressed by how Hungary had transformed Budapest into a major regional economic and social hub.
“We are very impressed with the manner in which the Government of Hungary has transformed Budapest into a leading Central European economic and social hub.
“Budapest today is a vibrant cross-border centre for road and rail links across Central Europe. It has become a key cargo hub serving multiple countries and is also emerging as a major tourism destination.
“At the same time, it has successfully preserved its historical heritage despite rapid socio-economic transformation,” he said in a statement.
Awang Tengah, who is also Sarawak Minister for International Trade and Industry, said the state intends to adopt similar principles in developing Limbang and Lawas.
“We will use Budapest as a model in our plan to transform Limbang-Lawas into a northern Sarawak cross-border economic powerhouse by 2035,” he said.
He added that Sarawak also aims to preserve the historical and cultural value of Limbang and Lawas, which have long and rich historical roots.
“Hungary is an excellent example of how ancient heritage and historic buildings can be preserved while achieving rapid economic and industrial development,” he said.
Awang Tengah is currently on an official working visit to Hungary to study its socio-economic development framework.
Limbang and Lawas, the northernmost districts of Sarawak bordering Sabah, are expected to benefit from ongoing infrastructure development, including the Sarawak–Sabah Highway currently under construction, which will bypass Brunei and link the region to the Pan Borneo Highway.
The Pan Borneo Highway spans approximately 1,700km across Sarawak and Sabah.
The districts are also believed to have untapped natural resources, including petroleum and mineral deposits.
