By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 19: The construction of the proposed Trans-Borneo Railway, linking land routes between Sarawak, Sabah, and Brunei, must be expedited to strengthen economic integration, especially with Indonesia establishing its new capital, Nusantara, in Kalimantan.
In a TVS news report, Batang Sadong MP Rodiyah Sapiee stressed that if realised, the railway network would expand markets, attract investors, and generate more job and business opportunities, ultimately boosting incomes and positioning Borneo as a competitive economic hub.
Seeking clarification on the project’s status, she questioned when the federal government plans to implement it and whether a feasibility study has been conducted.
“This idea has been raised before, and it is now time for serious consideration due to several factors,” she said while debating the Royal Address by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in Parliament on Monday (Feb 17).
It has been reported that RM7 million had been allocated for the overall feasibility study of the Trans-Borneo Railway project.
Rodiyah highlighted that Sabah and Sarawak possess abundant natural resources and a strategic location, in addition to developments in neighbouring countries.
“This is also linked to Indonesia’s decision to relocate its administrative capital to Kalimantan, which opens up vast economic opportunities for the region,” she said.
She also urged the federal government to refine the “Look to Borneo” policy, not just for the benefit of Sabah and Sarawak but for Malaysia’s overall advancement.
“The total population of Borneo Island stands at 23 million, nearly equivalent to that of Peninsular Malaysia. This large population presents significant economic advantages, particularly for Sarawak, which is rich in natural resources,” she pointed out.
Rodiyah added that large-scale infrastructure development, such as highways, is crucial to integrating Borneo’s economic regions.
“I appreciate the government’s efforts in completing the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak and its commitment to constructing a new international airport.
“To maximise the potential of this infrastructure, I propose close collaboration with Brunei and Indonesia to develop a land transport network connecting the entire Borneo, including highways and rail systems,” she said. — DayakDaily
