KUCHING, 14 October 2026, The proposed Trans-Borneo Railway could improve connectivity across Sarawak by linking major towns, industrial centres and seaports, according to Sarawak Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil.
The proposed alignment would pass through Kuching, Samarahan, Sri Aman, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri before extending into Brunei and re-entering Sarawak through Limbang.
Jerip said the feasibility study found the project technically feasible and strategically important, with proposed connections to five major ports: Kuching, Tanjung Manis, Bintulu, Samalaju and Miri.
The railway is also envisioned as a regional transport network linking Sarawak with Sabah, Brunei and Kalimantan, Indonesia, potentially strengthening trade and economic integration across Borneo.
Given the project’s scale, the study recommended a phased rollout, with priority routes determined by passenger and freight demand, economic benefits, affordability, funding availability and land requirements.
The feasibility study, conducted by the federal Transport Ministry, was completed on Aug 7 and presented to the steering committee.
The federal government is currently evaluating the final report, including funding arrangements, project governance, land acquisition requirements and the implementation framework.
-BERNAMA
