KUCHING, Nov 13: Minister of Works Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi expresses hope that the proposed Pan Borneo Railway may be extended to Indonesia which would boost cross-border trade, regional economy and mobility.
He welcomed Transport Minister Anthony Loke’s recent announcement on the approved feasibility study for Pan Borneo railway system in 2024.
“The railway system will benefit not only Sabah and Sarawak but in light of the relocation of Indonesia’s capital from Jakarta to Nusantara of Kalimantan, perhaps the whole system can even connect to Indonesia – it will be more meaningful.
“Now that we have Pan Borneo Highway and if it is complemented by a railway system, I think it will definitely benefit in terms of spurring economic activities especially on transportation of products and goods as well as being the catalyst for economic activities in rural areas,” he told reporters when met after attending a function at a local hotel on Saturday (Nov 11).
Nanta who is Kapit MP added that he has yet to have information on the cost implication for the project.
“What I was told and had read was that the government has approved initial allocation for a feasibility study to be done.
“I think it will take some time for Pan Borneo Railway to be physically built because a thorough study must be made first,” he added. – DayakDaily
