Brunei Government Shoots Down Reports Of Potential Trans-Borneo Railway

In a statement released on Thursday, April 4, the Ministry of Transport and Infocommunications (MTIC) stated that no local or foreign company has been appointed or offered by the Bruneian government to carry out the Trans-Borneo Railway project.

The announcement was made in response to recent conversations about the project, which has received a lot of attention from the media and social media domestically as well as from neighboring countries. The ministry further explained that there haven't been any formal talks about the issue among the states and other pertinent parties or at the federal level. The ministry stated that due to the project's magnitude, each government's commitment would be required before any further action is taken.

The ministry emphasised the importance of exercising caution when interpreting information and urged the public to scrutinise and verify any received information. “This is important to avoid any misunderstandings and maintaining the stability and harmony of society and the nation,” it added in the statement.

The USD70 billion project aims to establish Borneo's first high-speed bullet train network, connecting Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak, and Kalimantan in two phases over a route spanning over 1,600 kilometers with trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 350 km/h. Brunergy Utama Sdn Bhd, a company reportedly based in Brunei, claimed recently on its website that it would implement the project. Social media users shared the details widely as well. 

On Tuesday, the Malaysian government refuted any participation in or talks regarding the project. The project is still only a proposal, according to Malaysian Minister of Transport Anthony Loke, who also cautioned everyone including businesses against announcing big projects without first consulting the government. Megaprojects are only deemed legitimate if the government declares them, he added.