KUALA LUMPUR, SEPTEMBER 2025 — Malaysia is stepping up efforts to expand its railway network beyond national boundaries as part of a broader strategy to strengthen its role in regional transport, enhance economic resilience, and improve supply chain integration across Southeast Asia.

Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah has highlighted that ongoing cross-border projects such as the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) link could act as springboards for a wider ASEAN rail agenda. He also noted potential connectivity from Singapore to Kuching, as well as discussions on enhancing logistics links from Sabah and Sarawak towards neighboring regions including Kalimantan, Indonesia.

A flagship proposal under consideration is the Trans-Borneo Railway, which seeks to connect Sabah and Sarawak with Brunei and Kalimantan. The Malaysian government allocated RM7 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan to fund a 12-month feasibility study, covering technical, commercial, operational, socio-economic, and governance aspects. The study began in June 2025 and is expected to conclude by the third quarter of 2026.

While estimates of RM63.3 billion have been mentioned as a possible project cost, the government has clarified that the Trans-Borneo Railway remains in the proposal stage and that no developer has yet been appointed.

Malaysia has also signaled interest in other regional rail connections. A study is being considered for a logistics network linking Sabah and Sarawak to Kalimantan via rail and air, reflecting the government’s broader ambition to position Malaysia as a regional rail hub.

Advances in engineering have also prompted officials to consider ideas once viewed as too ambitious, such as undersea tunnels or bridges connecting ASEAN nations. While still conceptual, such projects highlight Malaysia’s forward-looking approach to transportation infrastructure and its role in regional integration.

Source: New Straits Times