KOTA KINABALU: A landslide has forced railway authorities to temporarily suspend the train service in Sabah's interior.
The Sabah State Railway Department has stopped the service between Beaufort station and Rayoh station in the neighbouring Tenom interior district after an initial assessment that the track was unsafe for use due to the landslip on Monday (Jan 8).
In a post on its official social media page, the state railway department said the landslip on the Padas River riverbank had affected the track at KM102.9.
There has been soil erosion underneath the track due to the landslip at the said location.
It added that the train service was still available but only up to KM102.8 until repair works were completed.
"Moreover, it is difficult to assess the soil erosion on the riverside properly, and there is a probability that a bigger erosion has occurred.
"To ensure the safety of passengers, the rail track at KM102.9 will be closed starting on Jan 8 until works to restore it is completed and safe to use," the railway department said.
The department provides four daily trips between the Beaufort and Rayoh stations at 6am, 9am, 1.30pm and 4.30pm.
The train service is the main mode of transportation for residents in these areas for their daily lives, including students commuting to school.
