KOTA KINABALU: A terrifying train ride for primary school teachers heading to SK Pangi when the carriage’s brakes failed earlier Tuesday (March 3) morning is reigniting calls for safer transport alternatives in Sabah’s interior.
State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the incident called for the Tenom–Pangi road project to be expedited.
He said the Chief Minister approved the project in early 2025, and a contractor had already been appointed.
“I urge the Public Works Department (JKR) to begin work immediately.
“The road project is crucial as a safer land transport alternative, reducing full dependence on the railway service along this high-risk route,” he said.
He said that rail transport remains a lifeline for residents and civil servants in the area, but proper maintenance and reliable infrastructure are essential to ensure safety.
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No one was hurt in the incident and the Sabah Railway Department has yet to give an official statement on the incident.
Jamawi, who posted a short video showing the teachers praying for their safety, urged the railway department to conduct a full investigation into the incident.
NOTE: This story has been amended to reflect a Thursday (March 12) statement by Ewon Benedick who said the motorcycle trolleys were already on the track, not thrown onto the rails by villagers to stop the runaway Railbus RB8801 at the Kg Pangi station.
