LIMBANG: Communities living in border areas are called to play an important role in safeguarding national sovereignty, particularly by serving as the government’s eyes and ears.
Deputy Transport Minister and Limbang MP Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said Limbang’s location bordering Brunei Darussalam provided local communities with a unique advantage to foster good relations while contributing to peace and development in the border area.
“What is important is that we respect the borders of neighbouring countries and do not engage in activities that violate the laws of either country.
“We also have good relations between the Malaysian government and the Brunei Darussalam government, as well as between the Sarawak government and Brunei, which are very good,” he said.
He said this when delivering a speech at the closing ceremony of the 2026 UKAS Outreach Programme: Empowering the Limbang Border Community yesterday.
Hasbi said the strong relationship between Malaysia and Brunei had created opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, including the economy, trade, tourism and development.
He added that Sarawak could also benefit by learning from Brunei’s best practices and developments in areas such as education, services and infrastructure, where appropriate.
At the same time, he encouraged the Limbang community to capitalise on its strategic location by strengthening economic and trade activities with Brunei, including promoting local products in the neighbouring country.
Hasbi also cautioned youth against falling victim to drug mule syndicates, particularly through suspicious job or financial offers involving the transportation of prohibited items across the border.
He urged young people to exercise caution and avoid taking risks that could jeopardise their future and personal safety.
“People living in border areas must play their part in safeguarding national sovereignty by continuing to be the eyes and ears of the authorities, particularly by reporting any suspicious activities that could threaten public safety and security,” he added.
Meanwhile, 28 residents in the Batu Danau constituency received approval notification letters or identification documents through the Registration and Identification Programme.
The 2026 UKAS Outreach Programme also featured talks and exhibitions by various Federal and State agencies to raise public awareness of the community’s role in safeguarding the security and sovereignty of the country’s borders.
