KUCHING: The federal government has proposed to build a Trans-Borneo railway, to link Sarawak with Sabah and Kalimantan, especially Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Sarawak government has been briefed by the Transport Ministry and the project will be funded by the federal government.
“I welcome the railway project as it is high time for us to improve and enhance our logistics efficiency. This will also boost our economic growth.
But, what is more important is that there should be continuous discussions between all parties involved, namely, Malaysia, Indonesia as well as Brunei,” he said after chairing a meeting on the development progress of Limbang, yesterday (May 27).
Apart from that, he said, the state secretary is currently conducting research on the formation of new divisions as well as districts in Sarawak.
“This is to provide a more holistic development approach and positive effect on the administration of the respective divisions in Sarawak,” he added.
Meanwhile, Sarawak Energy has been instructed to do research regarding the construction of a hydropower dam on the Trusan River in Lawas.
Abang Johari assured that the proposed project will not affect the population or residents residing in the surrounding areas.
“What we want now (research done by Sarawak Energy) is how to develop it with those who are interested, for instance, Petronas is expected to take some equity in the development of this project.
“We still welcome more interested parties or investors, we are open for negotiations,” he said.
Abang Johari said the project will support the rapid development progress in Northern Sarawak, especially Lawas and Limbang, benefiting the people in the areas as well as neighbouring countries.
In another development, he said, the Sarawak government has allocated RM160 million to repair and rebuild dilapidated schools in Lawas and Limbang.
“Although education is under the federal government (where they should be repairing these schools), for the safety of our children, the Sarawak government has been assisting in terms of allocation to repair and even rebuild dilapidated schools here,” he added.
