KUCHING, March 24: A Sarawakian senator requests the federal government to build an Trans-Borneo railway and a highway to link Sarawak with Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara.
During his debate on the King’s address yesterday, Senator Robert Lau said the federal government has been investing heavily in mega projects in Peninsular Malaysia including the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project (RM12 billion), the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link (RM10 billion), the Central Spine Road (RM8.7 billion) and West Coast Expressway (WCE).
The latest mega project, he pointed out is the Mass Rapid Transit Line 3 (MRT 3) which costs RM40 billion.
Meanwhile, for the East Malaysian Regions of Sarawak and Sabah, the only mega project that is still being mentioned and talked about is the Sabah and Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway which costs RM29 billion.
Lau pointed out that this project was launched sometime ago in 2016, “six years ago and is still not complete”.
“It is time to have an international Trans-Borneo rail line come with a highway to link up Sarawak, Sabah and the new Indonesia capital, Nusantara.
“This will be a big catalyst to develop the two Borneo States, which have the highest number of hardcore poor,” asserted Lau, saying that his request was in line with the King’s speech that states “In ensuring that the nation’s prosperity is enjoyed equally, we sincerely hope that the Government will focus on eradicating hardcore poverty by 2025.” — DayakDaily
