KOTA KINABALU: The railway service remains the main mode of transportation for interior residents along the Beaufort–Tenom route, particularly for commuting to work and school, Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick said.
“The railway service is the preferred mode of transport for residents along this route, especially during working and school hours.
“I am satisfied with the continuous efforts and initiatives by the Sabah State Railway Department to ensure safety and the continuity of this service,” said Benedick, who is state Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation Minister.
He was in Tenom to inspect the railway line from Beaufort to Tenom to personally assess the service condition and maintenance level following a recent incident where train ferrying teachers to a school in Tenom, had mechanical issues to come to a stop at Pangi station. No one was hurt.
“I was also briefed at Pangi Station regarding incidents that occurred earlier this year and the maintenance initiatives as well as new asset acquisitions to further enhance the service,” he said during a briefing at Rayoh station in Tenom.
Benedick commended the department’s swift action in addressing damage such as landslides and embankment collapses along the line.
“I value all initiatives by the Sabah State Railway Department to improve assets, maintain the line, and ensure uninterrupted service for users,” he added.
The Minister said his ministry will begin a study on the Sabah Sustainable Transport Master Plan, covering land transport including railways, as well as air and sea transport.
“The findings of the study will be presented to the Cabinet before being made public and certainly railway services will be among the key components in the master plan,” he said.
