A bridge opened today at the common border of Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam is seen as a catalyst for the socio-economic development of the people in its vicinity.

Limbang MP Hasbi Habibollah said tourism would benefit from the opening of the Friendship Bridge across the Pandaruan River to connect the Limbang Division in Sarawak and the Temburong District in Brunei Darussalam.

The bridge was opened by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah.

Hasbi said efforts would be stepped up to draw tourists from the state and Brunei Darussalam to stop by in Limbang which he added was a gateway to the famous Mulu Caves using the Head Hunter's Trail.

The MP, who was present at the opening ceremony, said the people of Limbang and Temburong had waited long for the bridge.

They can now be relieved of the discomfort of having to queue up for more than five hours to board the ferry to cross the Pandaruan River, a trip that takes less than five minutes, he said.

Hasbi said the bridge would facilitate the movement of people from Sabah to Kuching, as it would be part of the Pan Borneo Highway now under construction.

He said the construction of the bridge reflected the commitment, cooperation and friendship of the leaders of Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.