KOTA KINABALU: Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal, the president of Parti Warisan Sabah, has expressed his disappointment over the omission of the east coast of Sabah from the Trans Borneo Railway Project route. He mentioned that Tawau has an established business relationship with Kalimantan, the future capital city of Indonesia.
He highlighted that many items, such as shoes and clothes, sold in Kalimantan originate from Tawau, indicating a long-standing trade relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia through Sabah. Shafie also noted the potential for Labuan to be developed as a financial hub, serving as a convenient stop for traders and businesses to conduct financial transactions and business dealings.
Expressing regret that Tawau and Labuan were not included in the framework of the train project, Shafie emphasized that the proposed project linking Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Brunei, and Kalimantan would play a crucial role in driving economic development in these regions. He made these remarks following a breaking-of-fast event at Kampung Emas in Kota Belud on March 31.
In response, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor described the proposed Trans Borneo Railway Project as a means to enhance connectivity among the people inhabiting the third-largest island in the world. The project is announced by Brunei-based Brunergy Utama Sdn Bhd and is planned to be implemented in two phases, covering a total distance of 1,620km.
The first phase of the project will connect cities on Borneo’s west coast to the east coast, starting from Pontianak in West Kalimantan and ending in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The second phase will involve linking north and east Kalimantan to the main route, connecting Samarinda with the new Indonesian capital, Nusantara.
Shafie pledged to raise the issue with the Sabah Chief Minister and also in Parliament, advocating for the inclusion of areas like Tawau and Labuan in the Trans Borneo Railway Project. He emphasized the importance of leveraging existing trade relationships and developing potential economic hubs to maximize the benefits of the proposed railway infrastructure.
Overall, the Trans Borneo Railway Project is seen as a significant opportunity to boost economic growth and improve connectivity within Borneo, benefiting various regions and fostering closer ties between neighboring countries. The project has the potential to facilitate trade and business activities, as well as promote sustainable development in the participating areas.
Shafie’s advocacy for the inclusion of Tawau and Labuan reflects his commitment to advocating for the interests of Sabah and ensuring that all regions in the state can benefit from infrastructure projects that promote economic progress and enhance connectivity. By raising concerns and seeking solutions at both the state and national levels, he aims to address disparities and ensure equitable development for all parts of Sabah.
With the potential to transform transportation and trade dynamics in Borneo, the Trans Borneo Railway Project stands as a testament to the region’s economic potential and the opportunities for mutual cooperation and growth among neighboring territories. As discussions around the project continue, stakeholders will need to consider various factors, including logistical challenges, environmental impacts, and community engagement, to ensure its successful implementation and maximize its benefits for all involved parties.
