KUCHING, Oct 31: A feasibility study for a railway project across the Borneo Island is expected to commence next year.
Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Hasbi Habibollah said the proposed study is currently in the implementation phase, pending approval of allocation from the Economic Planning Unit (EPU) in the Prime Minister’s Department.
He stressed the importance of a comprehensive assessment of the mega project, including aspects such as economic impact, implementation methods and financing.
“(This is because) the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in Peninsular Malaysia was developed with a Chinese joint venture,” he said in a news report by TVS yesterday (Oct 30).
Hasbi was met after attending the Digital Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme in Kampung Jepak, Bintulu.
While the project would be funded by the Federal government, he pointed out that the Sarawak government also had a role in its implementation.
He added that the Ministry has received proposal papers from interested parties and the project is expected to be implemented through an open tender.
On Oct 21, Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg expressed his optimism about the realisation of the Borneo Railway System.
He views it as a potential catalyst for bolstering economic ties within the Borneo region and fostering growth in the Asean region.
Anticipating a significant impact across the entire regional area, he believes it will benefit Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei Darussalam. — DayakDaily
