Kota Kinabalu: Senator Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe (pic) has urged the Federal Government to expedite the Trans-Borneo Railway feasibility study and begin planning a modern urban rail transit system for Greater Kota Kinabalu.
In a written parliamentary reply to Phoong in the Dewan Negara, the Ministry of Transport confirmed that its assessment of a regional railway network across Sabah and Sarawak—including the priority Kota Kinabalu–Kudat corridor—has entered its final stage.
The study also examines rail connections between strategic ports such as Sepanggar, Lahad Datu, Tawau, and Bintulu to strengthen port-rail integration, lower logistics costs, and improve export competitiveness.
Welcoming the Ministry's update, Phoong stated that modern rail infrastructure represents a strategic investment capable of connecting industries, agricultural areas, and ports to drive Sabah's long-term economic transformation.
He added that following the rollout of the Bas.My bus network, the government should take the next logical step by planning an urban rail transit network to connect Kota Kinabalu's city centre, international airport, convention centre, and major hubs.
