Govt urged to consider proposed Trans-Borneo Railway

THE government should consider reviewing and implementing the proposed Trans-Borneo Railway to compliment the multi-billion Pan Borneo Highway.

Karamunting assemblyman Charles Pang in suggesting this, said the 4,440km railway which was proposed to be implemented in 2000 would better equip Sabah towards realizing its goal to be a shipping hub, particularly within the BIMP-EAGA region.

“It will make Borneo’s commodities such as coal, timber and minerals more accessible and with Sabah having the potential to be a shipping and trading hub, this investment is really worth considering,” he said.

He added that the mega project, coupled with the Pan Borneo Highway, would create demand for skilled workers and specialized contractors.

Work and business opportunities would also be created for public and private firms, he said.

“This will be a catalyst for BIMPEAGA members to partner in business and development projects, and this will benefit Sabah as it will be able to further diversify her economy,” he said.

Pang also urged the government to give priority to enhancing the capacity and efficiency of Sepanggar Container Port towards achieving its vision of making the facility a shipping hub for East Asia.

He said Singapore had been very successful as a world-class port for years not because of its geographical location but due to highly efficient port systems and services.

“The efficiency of ports, which is the ability to move cargoes fast and safe, is far more important than other factors. As such, the Sepanggar Port Authority needs to focus on total upgrade of the port to attract more ships to come in,” he said.