Sabah gets three railway projects worth RM101mil

KOTA KINABALU: A total of RM101mil has been approved by the Federal Government through the Transport Ministry for implementation of three railway projects in Sabah.

Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said that the amount was for the upgrade of the Halogilat, Beaufort to Tenom, acquire three new diesel multiple units and for the study the communication system of the railway service in Sabah.

“This study will identify modern communications equipment that are suitable for use in enhancing the safety of the existing 134km tracks from Tanjung Aru to Tenom,” Pairin said at the launching of “National Railway Awareness Programme Sabah Zone” here.

The projects would begin from next year, he said, adding that the state Infrastructure Development Ministry would also study to expand the service network throughout Sabah.

“We have launched a new set of three units train operating between Beaufort and Tenom covering a distance of 48km.

“The latest development has indirectly attract both foreign and domestic tourists that will boost the tourism potential and economy of the locals,” said Pairin, who is state Infrastructure Development Minister.

Industry players, he said, should be prepared to face the fourth industrial revolution by having more relevant knowledge to spark collaborative initiative with their respective customers.

The programme could be seen as one of the medium to provide information and exposure for the students the skills needed in the railway industry in Sabah, he added.

The rapid growth of the railway industry in the country boosted demand for skill workers and this had created an opportunity for the local graduates to take up the job, he said.

Meanwhile, he said road construction in Sabah took into account the geological and earthquake risks.

“We have also shared the ideas and technology experts from countries that are usually hit by earthquakes to be applied in the road construction in Sabah,” Pairin said.

“These efforts were also to improve the traffic congestions as we are planning to implement the bus rapid transit, light rail transit and others system for the benefits of the people in Sabah, he added.