KUCHING: A study on the proposed Trans-Borneo Railway found it to be technically feasible, the Sarawak Legislative Assembly was told on Wednesday (Oct 14).
State Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said the federal Transport Ministry's strategically significant study, completed on Aug 7, proposed the rail network to strengthen connectivity between major population centres, industrial areas, ports, airports and logistics nodes across Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The full network, however, is not commercially viable as a standalone railway, he said in reply to Lo Khere Chiang (GPS-Batu Kitang) during Question Time.
Dr Jerip said the proposed railway requires substantial government support.
"The study therefore recommends a phased implementation approach, identifying priority corridors based on demand, strategic importance, economic development, affordability, fiscal capacity, development readiness, land and right-of-way conditions and importantly, funding availability," he said.
On the proposed alignment in Sarawak, Dr Jerip said the main line would traverse the Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri divisions, continue on through Brunei and re-enter Sarawak in the Limbang division.
"The alignment would connect major population centres, industrial areas, ports, airports and logistics nodes," he said, listing Kuching Port, Tanjung Manis Port, Bintulu Port, Samalaju Port and Miri Port among them.
Dr Jerip added that the study also proposed a potential connection to Kalimantan as well as key strategic locations to enhance regional connectivity.
He said while the study recommended the proposed main line and spur lines – which will support connectivity, logistics and economic development while complementing existing and planned transport infrastructures – the detailed alignment remains subject to further planning.
"It is also subject to tender assessment and relevant approvals."
Dr Jerip said the final report, which covers the project’s technical perspective, alignment, demand for the railway project, socio-economic impact, environmental impact, financial implications, funding and implementation, has been presented to the steering committee for consideration.
"The Federal Government is considering the findings of this final report, including the identification of priority sectors, funding responsibilities, project governance, land and right-of-way requirements and the appropriate implementation approach," he told the assembly.
