By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 13: The Trans-Borneo Railway feasibility study, which is federal funded, is currently in the process of appointing consultants by the Ministry of Transport Malaysia.
Deputy Minister for Transport (Road and Aviation) Datuk Dr Jerip Susil said these consultants will conduct a feasibility study to evaluate and determine the potential railway models for implementation in Sarawak and Sabah.
“The Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) represents the Sarawak government on both the technical and steering committees, collaborating with the Ministry of Transport Malaysia, relevant federal agencies and statutory bodies, and the Sabah Government to coordinate and oversee the study.
“Other committee members from Sarawak government include representatives from Sarawak Economic Planning Unit (EPU), the Ministry of Infrastructure and Port Development (MIPD), the Public Works Department (JKR) Sarawak, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Urban Development (MUDeNR) Sarawak, and the Land and Survey Department (L&S) Sarawak,” he said in response to Ba’Kelalan assemblyman Baru Bian during question-and-answer session in the Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today.
Dr Jerip also said the financial models of the Trans Borneo Railway, which are part of the feasibility study scope, will be determined once the feasibility study is completed.
In addition, he said the feasibility study will take about 12 months.
On the scope of the feasibility study, he said it encompasses the technical scope involving operational characteristics, cost, alignment, stations & depot locations, and stakeholder management; commercial scope involving strategic vision & value proposition, demand estimation, high-level implementation model, risk and challenges, and stakeholder engagement; socio-economic scope involving economic case for Trans-Borneo Railway project, national economic and social impact, catalytic impact of transit nodes, high-level narratives and stakeholder engagement; and project funding which involves proposing project funding or financing structures, phased payment approach by GOM, financial model, and benchmarking with other rail operators.
On Oct 12, Deputy Minister of Transport Datuk Hasbi Habibollah announced that the feasibility study is expected to commence in November 2024. — DayakDaily
