KUCHING, August 2025 — Malaysia has allocated RM7 million to conduct a feasibility study for the proposed Trans-Borneo High-Speed Rail, which aims to connect Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. This marks an important first step toward evaluating the potential of a large-scale cross-border railway project.

The study, which began in June 2025 and will take 12 months, will assess the technical, commercial, socio-economic, and operational aspects of the rail line. By the third quarter of 2026, it is expected to deliver a strategic plan, an implementation schedule, and a clear project timeline.

If proven feasible, the Trans-Borneo High-Speed Rail could transform regional connectivity and drive significant economic growth. Interest in the project has grown since a Brunei-based company, Brunergy Utama Sdn Bhd, proposed a US$70 billion (RM330 billion) two-phase plan covering more than 1,600 kilometers, with trains capable of reaching speeds up to 350 km/h.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook emphasized that the project remains at the proposal stage and has not been awarded to any company. The feasibility study will determine whether the project can move forward, especially given Borneo’s challenging terrain and the high estimated cost of RM63.3 billion.

If realized, the Trans-Borneo High-Speed Rail would become one of Southeast Asia’s largest cross-border transport projects, strengthening connectivity within Borneo and supporting development in rural regions. The government’s commitment to funding the study underscores its strategic importance for the region’s future infrastructure.

Source: [Kuchingborneo]