BINTULU – The Sarawak government has outlined plans to construct a railway network that will connect major cities across the state, aiming to strengthen infrastructure and accelerate regional development.
Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, revealed the proposal during a dinner with community and tribal leaders at the Imperial Hotel.
He confirmed that the Pan Borneo Railway project, including a route linking key industrial zones such as Kidurong and Samalaju, has been submitted to the federal government for consideration.
Bintulu has been identified as a central hub in the plan due to its role as Sarawak’s main industrial, energy and logistics centre.
The Premier emphasised that a modern railway system would enhance connectivity, reduce logistics costs, and improve the efficiency of industrial operations.
“We have informed the federal government and we plan to have a railway system that connects the whole of Sarawak,” he said.
The initiative is expected to complement existing transport projects, including Kuching’s Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.
By introducing a railway in Bintulu, the government aims to link satellite towns and industrial areas, thereby supporting trade, investment and economic growth.
A more efficient transport network is seen as a catalyst for new opportunities in manufacturing, energy and logistics.
The railway would not only ease passenger travel but also speed up the movement of goods between cities, strengthening Sarawak’s position as a competitive industrial hub.
The Premier also highlighted the importance of aligning infrastructure development with the state’s broader digital transformation and green economy agenda under the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030).
This approach reflects Sarawak’s commitment to sustainable growth and its ambition to provide world-class facilities for both citizens and investors.
By integrating transport modernisation with environmental and technological priorities, the railway project is expected to reinforce Sarawak’s long-term competitiveness while ensuring balanced development across its regions.
