Datuk Seri Musa Aman said the Pan Borneo Highway project would be a catalyst for the state’s economic growth.
In this regard, he said, the east coast of Sabah which possessed vast economic potential in the agricultural and tourism sectors could progress more rapidly.
“We are confident that the project would help to accelerate the state’s development agenda in the economic sectors in the areas concerned,” he said in his speech at the launch of the Pan Borneo, Tawau-Sandakan Package here Saturday.
The Tawau-Sandakan package stretching five kilometres from Kilometer 43 to Kilometer 48 (Semporna-Tawau check-point roundabout) was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
Also present were Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Dr Ali Hamsa and Sabah State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Syed Abas Syed Ali. “It is among the benefits we get if we continue to support Barisan Nasional which has proven to champion and serve the people,” Musa said.
He cited further fruits of loyalty to BN such as the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) in Tawau, substantial allocation for security and defence through the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) and upgrading of the Kalabakan-Sapulut Road in Tawau.
The chief minister also expressed his appreciation to Najib for keeping Sabah’s concerns “close to his heart” even before he became the prime minister.