KUALA LUMPUR (July 3): The feasibility study for the high-speed rail network connecting Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan, Indonesia, dubbed the Trans Borneo Railway project, is expected to begin next month, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.

In a written parliamentary reply to Mohamad Shafizan Kepli (Gabungan Parti Sarawak-Batang Lupar), Loke stated that the feasibility study of the Trans Borneo Railway Project is in its final evaluation phase.

"The implementation of this study is expected to start in August and span over 12 months, concluding in August 2025," Loke said.

In April, Brunergy Utama Sdn Bhd, a company based in Brunei, claimed that it would implement the US$70 billion (RM330 billion) project in two phases, involving a route spanning over 1,600 kilometres with trains capable of reaching speeds up to 35 km per hour.

However, Loke refuted this claim, emphasising that the project is still a proposal and has not been offered to any companies. He added that any mega projects are only considered valid if the government announces them.

Meanwhile, the Brunei government also reportedly said that there had been no discussions on the project and that it would require commitment from each respective government.