SIPITANG: The proposed construction of the Trans Borneo Railway to connect Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei and Kalimantan is expected to significantly impact the economic growth of the Sipitang district, Sabah Media reported.
Sindumin assemblyman Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob expressed optimism about the proposal, highlighting Sipitang's strategic location as an entry point for visitors from Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan.
"Being the district at the border and the first in Sabah to welcome visitors from Sarawak, Brunei and Indonesia, this planning is indeed favourable," he said during an Iftar programme at the Kampung Lumut surau.
The proposal, put forward by a company from Brunei, involves a 1,620-kilometre track to be constructed in two phases, featuring high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds up to 350 kilometres per hour.
Yusof said the proposal is still in its early stages and discussions have been initiated regarding the implementation of this rail project.
"The federal government has allocated special funds to study the feasibility of this proposal. The implementation of this railway is extraordinary due to the geographical terrain of Sabah and Sarawak, which includes mountains and high costs associated with tunnelling, long bridges, and various other facilities," he said.
Yusof added that there was a need for clear coordination between Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan to ensure smooth interconnectivity. He also pointed out the high costs involved and the need for clarity on who will bear these expenses, whether it is the federal or state government or through other means.
