LAWAS: Sarawak has proposed the construction of the Trans-Borneo Railway, a train service across the island of Borneo.
Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg said the Sarawak Government had submitted the proposal for the construction of the railway to the Ministry of Transport (MoT) in a meeting here on Saturday.
“This is a Federal Government project and a study on the project will be conducted by the MoT.
“This train service is expected to pass through Sabah and also connect with Kalimantan, Indonesia. Hence, there should also be discussions between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei, because this project may involve these three countries,” he said.
He said this in a press conference after attending a briefing of a development project under the Regional Corridor Development Authority (Recoda), here.
Abang Johari said if the project is successfully implemented, it will open up economic opportunities for the areas that the train will pass through.
“I think the time has come for us to establish this train service, which will definitely be able to stimulate economic activities, especially in terms of logistics,” he said.
Meanwhile, in LABUAN, the Labuan Chamber of Commerce (LCC) fully endorsed the Trans-Borneo Railway proposal and emphasised the critical significance of incorporating Labuan into the transformative initiative.
LCC Chairman Daniel Doughty said Labuan must not be overlooked, and urged the State Government to establish rail connection from Mempakul to Beaufort, to ensure Labuan’s seamless integration with the envisioned Trans-Borneo Railway.
He firmly believed that the proposed railway project would yield substantial economic, social and cultural benefits for the region.
Acknowledging Labuan’s previous exclusion from the Trans-Borneo Highway planning and the Prime Minister’s reservations regarding the Labuan bridge proposal, LCC is resolute in its commitment to ensuring Labuan’s inclusion in the proposed railway network.
As part of this endeavour, LCC reiterated the imperative need to relocate the island’s roll on-roll off (ro-ro) ferry terminal to Tanjung Aru, Labuan.
“By establishing a ro-ro ferry service between Tanjung Aru Labuan and Mempakul Sabah with a travel duration of approximately 40 minutes, and subsequently creating a rail connection from Mempakul to Beaufort, Labuan’s connectivity will be assured, and the advantages presented by the Trans-Borneo Railway will be maximised,” he said.
Daniel also underscored the significance of incorporating Labuan into the railway project, saying:
“Labuan, as a prominent financial, oil and gas, transhipment and trade hub, cannot be marginalised once again.”
“The proposed rail link from Mempakul to Beaufort will not only ensure Labuan’s connectivity but also enable us to fully harness the economic opportunities and potential growth that the Trans-Borneo Railway will bring,” he added.
LCC presented the rail connectivity between Mempakul and Beaufort proposal to Senator Datuk Seri Anifah Aman two months ago, highlighting the role Labuan can play in improving the economy of the nearby mainland town with better connectivity to Labuan.
LCC remains steadfast in actively collaborating with relevant stakeholders, including the Government and local communities, to ensure that Labuan’s voice is heard, and its interests are represented throughout the planning and implementation stages of the Trans-Borneo Railway project.
“Labuan’s inclusion in the Trans-Borneo Railway is not merely a matter of necessity, but one of equity and fairness. Labuan’s potential as a pivotal economic and trade centre must be fully realised through robust rail and sea connectivity.
“LCC will continue to advocate for Labuan’s interests, working hand in hand with all involved parties to transform this vision into a tangible reality.”
