By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 30: Sarawak will prioritise the Bintulu–Samalaju rail alignment as the first phase of its rail development, with no firm decision yet on extending the network to southern Sarawak.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg clarified that the proposed rail project is part of the broader Trans-Borneo Railway initiative involving Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia, but the immediate focus for Malaysia is on studies covering Sarawak and Sabah.
“Right now, the study is being done by the Malaysia Economic Planning Unit.
“And for us, once the alignment is identified, we will start building the railway for Bintulu to Samalaju within that alignment,” he told reporters when met after the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Sarawak Scouts Headquarters at Jalan Batu Lintang here today.
He stressed that the Bintulu-Samalaju corridor remains the immediate priority due to its role as a key low-carbon industrial cluster and its heavy cargo movement between Bintulu Port and Samalaju Port, including routes passing Kidurong.
“This is being discussed with the federal government and the Sarawak government will give its support.
“Samalaju and Bintulu are low-carbon industrial clusters, so we think it is good to develop the railway,” he added.
According to Abang Johari, the project will be implemented in stages due to its high cost, and any broader expansion — including to Miri or Kuching — will depend on the national rail alignment and further discussions.
“We will see the national alignment, but let us do it in stages first because railway projects are very costly,” he said.
On whether the rail system could eventually extend further south in Sarawak, Abang Johari said it was too early to confirm any expansion plans, as the focus remains on the initial phase.
When asked about the possibility of adopting hydrogen-powered rail technology, he said it was still premature to decide on the system for the future rail network.
“Too early, premature. Let us focus on Bintulu-Samalaju rail first,” he said, adding that future connectivity discussions could also involve linking Sarawak with Kalimantan as part of regional cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia.
He also noted that hydrogen technology is becoming increasingly competitive in terms of cost compared to diesel and fossil fuels, particularly in light of current global developments.
Abang Johari said Sarawak is already developing hydrogen production facilities, including in Rembus (Kota Samarahan), to support future transport systems such as the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART).
“I think per kilogram of hydrogen may be slightly cheaper than fossil fuel. At the beginning, it was expensive, that is why people criticised me. But today, I am right because of current global conditions,” he emphasised. — DayakDaily
