KOTA KINABALU: A joint task force has been formed to plan and monitor border development in Sabah and Sarawak, in line with Indonesia's plan to shift its capital to Kalimantan.

       Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili said the task force would study the impact of the move on Sabah and Sarawak.

       Both Sabah and Sarawak chief ministers will also be involved in deciding the long-term border development strategies and programmes, he said in a statement issued after the first preliminary meeting of the task force on Thursday (Nov 25) in Kuala Lumpur.

       "This task force is a joint effort between us (in Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) and the economics portfolio of the Prime Minister's Department chaired by Minister Datuk Seri Mustapa Mohamed and me.

       "Besides infrastructure development, the initiative will also delve into tourism, cultural exchanges, education and health-tourism segments.

       "We will also look at issues related to border securities and the setting up of Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) offices at all possible entry points between the two countries," Ongkili added.

       The task force came into fruition after Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and lawmakers raised their interests and concerns on Indonesia's plan to shift its capital from Jakarta to Kalimantan, which borders the two east Malaysia states, explained Ongkili.

       "We are in the midst of drafting working papers and will meet again middle of next month, where both Sabah and Sarawak chief ministers will also be engaged," he added.