Trans-Borneo Railway Project Under Study By Malaysia’s Economic Planning Unit
KUCHING: Plans for the Trans-Borneo Railway Project in Sarawak, involving the Bintulu–Samalaju route, are currently being studied by the Federal Government through Malaysia’s Economic Planning Unit (EPU).
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg said the study forms part of the broader Trans-Borneo Railway Project involving the governments of Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.
“At present, the study is being carried out by the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) of Malaysia.
“On our part, once the alignment has been identified, we will begin constructing the railway line from Bintulu to Samalaju based on that alignment.
“This matter is being discussed with the parties conducting the study at the federal level, and we in the Sarawak Government will provide our full support,” he said.
He said this when met by reporters after the groundbreaking ceremony for the headquarters of the Scout Association of Malaysia, Sarawak Branch, at Batu Lintang on Saturday.
According to Datuk Patinggi Abang Zohari, the development of the railway link is important as Bintulu and Samalaju are rapidly emerging as low-carbon industrial clusters that require a more efficient transportation system to support cargo movement and industrial activities.
He revealed that the state government’s initial proposal was to utilise the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system. However, a railway system is considered more suitable based on the terrain and recommendations arising from the Federal Government’s study.
Commenting on the possibility of extending the railway line to Kuching, the Premier said the matter would depend on the national alignment eventually determined and would need to be implemented in stages due to the high cost of railway development.
At the same time, he did not rule out the possibility of using hydrogen technology as a future energy source for the railway system, noting that hydrogen production costs are becoming increasingly competitive compared to diesel and other fossil fuels. -UKASnews
