BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) in a statement on Thursday (April 4) said that the Brunei Government has not offered or appointed any local or foreign company to undertake the Trans-Borneo Railway project.
The statement was issued following recent discussions surrounding the project that has garnered widespread attention, both domestically and in neighbouring countries, through various news and social media platforms.
The ministry also clarified that there have been no official discussions at the governmental level regarding the matter, including among the states and relevant stakeholders.
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Given the scale of the project, the ministry said it would necessitate commitment from each respective government before any further action is taken.
The ministry emphasised the importance of exercising caution when interpreting information and urged the public to scrutinise and verify any received information.
“This is important to avoid any misunderstandings and maintaining the stability and harmony of society and the nation,” it added in the statement.
Brunergy Utama Sdn Bhd, a company reportedly based in Brunei, claimed recently on its website that it would implement the US$70 billion project which aims to establish Borneo’s inaugural high-speed bullet train network connecting Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak, and Kalimantan in two phases involving a route spanning over 1,600km with trains capable of reaching speeds up to 350 km per hour. The details also went viral on social media.
The Malaysian government on Tuesday also denied any involvement or discussions on the project.
Malaysian Minister of Transport Anthony Loke said the project is still a proposal and has not been offered to any company, while also advising all parties including companies to be wary in announcing major projects, adding that any mega projects are only considered valid if the government announces them.
The company’s website appears to be inaccessible as it is under maintenance as of Thursday. - Borneo Bulleting/ANN
