KUALA LUMPUR: There are no plans yet to conduct a feasibility study to build a railway network linking Sarawak and Sabah to Nusantara, Indonesia’s new capital in Kalimantan, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       He said that any proposals for land and air connectivity from Sarawak and Sabah to the new capital should be supported by projected passenger numbers so that detailed planning can be done.

       “In Sarawak, the focus is currently on the provision of an urban rail network under the Kuching Urban Transport System project led by Sarawak Metro.

       “For Sabah, the focus is on improving the railway infrastructure and the quality of train services, led by the Sabah State Railway Department,” he said when winding up debates on the motion of thanks for the Royal Address in the Dewan Negara yesterday.

       On any development project or upgrading of any airport, Dr Wee said it should be implemented based on evidence-based planning in the development of the transport sector to meet market needs, reported Bernama.

       “Therefore, it is important for the Transport Ministry to ensure that the projected increase in passenger demand is accurate to enable the planned project to be viable and resilient,” he added.

       He said currently, the ministry was doing a study on the National Airports Strategic Plan, which encompasses development of airports and STOLports (short take-off and landing airports) in Malaysia.

       The study is scheduled to be completed by the middle of next year in line with the National Transport Policy 2019-2030.

       “This study aims to determine the direction of airports in Malaysia in terms of physical infrastructure development, airspace requirements, and economic and strategic studies so that the development of an airport is implemented based on actual needs.

       “For now, Sarawak and Sabah’s airports can accommodate any increase in passengers and flight frequency in the near future,” said Dr Wee.

       He, however, said the ministry would encourage and facilitate any local or foreign airlines that wish to provide services for routes to Nusantara in future.