Trans-Borneo Railway still in feasibility stage, no immediate plans for construction

Photo for illustration purposes only. Photo credit: Bruenergy Utama website

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, March 5: Plans for the proposed Trans-Borneo Railway are still at the feasibility stage, with no immediate implementation.

Minister of Tourism, Creative and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah explained that the project is still under study in Sarawak and has not yet received approval for construction.

“Ideally, the railway would connect routes from Kuching to Bintulu, Bintulu to Miri, or even from Kuching/Bintulu to Nusantara.

“There are plans, there is indeed a proposal. We hope this will become a reality in the future,” he told reporters after the press conference for Lan Berambeh Sungkey Belia 2026 at BaitulMakmur II in Petra Jaya today.

Abdul Karim noted that the ongoing study will determine whether the Trans-Borneo Railway can be implemented in the future, depending on the findings.

For now, he said, the State government has not yet considered construction. Currently, construction is ongoing for the autonomous rapid transit (ART) system, while the Trans-Borneo plan remains under review.

“Of course, if it becomes a reality, it is something we would very much welcome. Anything that can make travel and connectivity easier for the people, we will definitely support,” he added.

On March 3, Minister of Transport Anthony Loke said the final feasibility report for the proposed Trans-Borneo Railway is expected to be completed by the middle of this year, following additional engagement sessions with stakeholders in Sarawak and Sabah.

Key deliverables from the study will feature recommendations for a strategic plan, implementation schedule, action plan, and timeline, all aimed at securing buy-in from key stakeholders. Previously, it was reported that RM7 million had been allocated to fund the entire feasibility study. — DayakDaily