KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Railway's terminus at Sembulan is set to extend to Sepanggar Port, as revealed by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Ir Shahelmey Yahya, Sabah First Info reported.
This expansion marks a strategic priority for the Sabah State Railway Department, aiming to enhance transportation infrastructure in the region.
During a recent event in Kota Kinabalu, Shahelmey discussed the ongoing efforts to develop a comprehensive railway network that connects the west and east coasts of Sabah.
Although these plans are still in the preliminary stages, they have attracted international interest, with proposals from Chinese and Indian entities being considered.
Currently, the focus is on creating a railway line from Tanjung Aru to Sembulan, stretching towards Sepanggar Port, enhancing the logistical connectivity of the state.
Additionally, Shahelmey commented on a high-speed rail project proposal by a Bruneian company, Brunergy Utama Sdn Bhd, aimed at linking Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan.
This Trans Borneo Railway initiative, spanning 1,620 kilometres, is undergoing feasibility studies by theTransport Ministry due to its cross-border nature and the extensive railway network involved.
The first phase of this ambitious project would connect economic hubs across Borneo, starting from Pontianak in West Kalimantan to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, via various major cities and towns.
The second phase proposes to link Brunei with Sarawak and North and East Kalimantan, integrating significant locations like Ba'kelalan in Sarawak and the new Indonesian capital, Nusantara, in Kalimantan.