By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Aug 14: The feasibility study for the proposed high-speed rail network linking Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan, Indonesia, known as the Trans-Borneo Railway, is slated for completion by the third quarter of 2026.
In The Edge Malaysia news report, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said a local consultant had been appointed to undertake a 12-month feasibility study for the Sabah and Sarawak segments, which commenced in June 2025.
“The study will feature a detailed comparative analysis encompassing technical, commercial, socio-economic, operational, governance, and social impact considerations.
“Key deliverables will include recommendations for a strategic plan, implementation schedule, action plan, and timeline, all designed to secure buy-in from key stakeholders,” he revealed in a parliamentary written reply to Vivian Wong Shir Yee (PH–Sandakan).
Local media previously reported that RM7 million had been allocated to fund the entire feasibility study.
Sabah Deputy Minister III Datuk Shahelmey Yahya confirmed the amount was fully financed by the federal government and approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
The Trans-Borneo Railway was first mooted in 2015 by then prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who proposed the idea to then Indonesian president Joko Widodo to enhance cross-border connectivity for people, goods, and services.
In April last year, Brunei-based Brunergy Utama Sdn Bhd claimed it would undertake the US$70 billion (RM330 billion) project in two phases, spanning over 1,600 kilometres and featuring trains capable of speeds up to 350km/h.
However, Loke later dismissed the claim, stressing that the project remains at the proposal stage and has not been awarded to any company, adding that mega projects are only considered valid once officially announced by the government. — DayakDaily
