Sabah Railway Plans Advance as Key Studies Near Completion

8 April 2026

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah State Railway Department (JKNS) is currently undertaking two key studies related to the state’s railway services, with full reports to be tabled before the Sabah Cabinet.

Datuk Ewon Benedick the Deputy Chief Minister III and Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport (MINDET) said the studies involve a fare review and a feasibility study on a proposed new rail line from Putatan to Kota Kinabalu, extending to the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) and Sepanggar Port.

“The fare review study has reached 90 per cent completion and will first be presented to the ministry before being brought to the State Cabinet for further consideration."

“I have opted to wait until the studies are fully completed , particularly the fare review, which is nearing completion, before tabling them at the ministry and subsequently to the Sabah Cabinet,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after attending the JKNS Excellent Service Awards and Appreciation Ceremony here yesterday.

Ewon added that the feasibility study for the Putatan–KKIP–Sepanggar route is expected to take 12 months and forms part of a long-term plan to expand Sabah’s railway network.

At the same time, he noted that JKNS is also contributing input to the feasibility study of the Trans Borneo Railway currently being undertaken by the Federal Government.

In addition, his ministry will commence a Sabah Sustainable Transport Master Plan study this year, with JKNS involved at both steering and technical committee levels.

At the ceremony, 32 JKNS officers and staff received Excellent Service Awards, while 23 others were honoured upon their retirement.

Ewon also expressed his appreciation to all award recipients and retirees for their contributions and exemplary service.

“I believe these achievements will inspire other civil servants to continue delivering their best, not only within JKNS but across the state public service as a whole,” he said.