Sarawak supports federal Trans-Borneo Railway proposal, says Abd Karim

KUCHING (March 5): The proposed Trans-Borneo Railway project by the federal government is seen as a significant move to boost connectivity for the people, said Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah.

He said the state government fully supports the proposal, as any initiative that enhances transportation and connectivity would benefit Sarawakians.

“Of course, if it becomes a reality, this is something that we very much welcome.

“Anything that can make it easier for our people in terms of connectivity, we will definitely support,” he told a press conference here, following Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s statement on Tuesday that the final feasibility report for the Trans-Borneo Railway is expected to be completed by mid-year.

“What I know is that this matter has been discussed, but it has not yet moved into implementation. They are just conducting a feasibility study,” Abdul Karim added.

He noted that several possible routes within Sarawak are being considered under the proposal.

“In Sarawak, it could be from Kuching to Bintulu, Bintulu to Miri, or even from Bintulu to Nusantara. They have plans, indeed there are plans,” he said.

Abdul Karim expressed hope that the feasibility study’s findings would be favourable, enabling the project to be realised in the future.

“We hope this will become a reality in the future. When a study like this is conducted and if the results are positive, it will become a programme or a project that will be implemented in the future.

“But at the moment, it has not yet been considered for construction.

“For Kuching, the ART project is in place, but for the Trans-Borneo Railway, not yet. That is where the study is being conducted,” he said.

On Tuesday, Loke said the final feasibility report for the proposed Trans-Borneo Railway is expected to be completed by mid-year, following additional engagement sessions with stakeholders in Sabah and Sarawak.

In a Facebook post, Loke said he had received a preliminary briefing on the interim feasibility report and advised consultants to take into account the economic development plans of both state governments.

“This is to ensure that the proposed alignments truly serve as a catalyst for regional development,” he added.

Loke also noted that, if implemented, the Trans-Borneo Railway project could take decades to be fully realised, but stressed that establishing a long-term plan now is important as the foundation for the project.