KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government's decision on the implementation of the proposed Trans-Borneo Railway project linking Sabah, Sarawak, and Brunei hinges on the outcome of a feasibility study.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Shahelmey Yahya said today the study is set to begin next month and is expected to take 12 months to complete, with an allocation of RM7 million from the Transport Ministry.
"The state government's decision on implementing the construction of the physical Trans-Borneo Railway project depends on the findings of the feasibility study, as well as the recommended implementation model or financial model.
"The results will outline how cooperation between Sarawak, Brunei, and Sabah will be structured for the physical implementation of the project."
Shahelmey said although the project is managed by the federal government through the Transport Ministry, it does not affect Sabah's rights over railway matters, which fall under the jurisdiction of the state government.
"Sabah will uphold the rights enshrined in the constitution regarding railway-related affairs.
"However, we can look to the implementation model of the East Coast Rail Link in Peninsular Malaysia, where the route spans Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Selangor.
"We strongly welcome this feasibility study. Once it produces the desired outcome, Sarawak, Sabah, and Brunei Darussalam will engage in more detailed discussions for the project's physical implementation."
He said this when answering additional questions from Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob (GRS-Sindumin) and Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee (nominated assemblyman) regarding the project at the Sabah State Legislative Assembly here.
Shahelmey, who is state public works minister, said through the implementation of the study, the state government via the Sabah State Railway Department will serve as a member of the Steering Committee and the Technical Committee.
He said the feasibility study includes three parts: first, identifying a route for the railway track and system, and taking into account economic, social and cost factors.
Second, determining the infrastructure along the route, such as level crossings, overpasses, stations and depots;
The third includes conducting an engineering study to ensure that the railway system will incorporate the latest technology and be as viable as other advanced railway systems worldwide.
For the route in Sabah, Shahelmey said that in addition to the segment connecting Sarawak and Brunei via the Beaufort-Sipitang-Lawas (Sarawak) route, three other routes are also included: Tanjung Aru-Kudat, Sandakan-Pitas-Kudat and Tawau-Lahad Datu-Sandakan.
Shahelmey added that the state government will also carry out a specific study, namely a feasibility study and preliminary design.
This study will cover extending the railway track from Putatan to Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park and subsequently to Sepanggar Port, with an estimated study cost of RM1.75 million.
"This study is expected to begin no later than March.
"All these studies, whether by the federal or state government, are part of a long-term plan to develop, modernise, and expand the railway system in Sabah."