Six individuals involved in train incident received new motorbikes

7 March 2026

TENOM: The six individuals involved in the recent railway incident between Tenom and Pangi have been presented with six new motorcycles to replace those damaged in the incident.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry and State Assemblyman for Melalap, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, stated that the donation was made on behalf of Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, as a gesture of concern for the welfare of rural communities facing transportation challenges.

He explained that the assistance aims to support the youths in continuing their daily lives and earning a livelihood despite living in hard-to-reach areas.

“Today, we are handing over six motorcycles to six young people involved in the railway incident between Tenom and Pangi four days ago."

The list of recipients includes Sarudi Siden, Julintoh Landan, Lewi Rani, Mike Yulon, Leinto Landan, and Tunih Rani.

“This assistance was delivered through me by the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor. It demonstrates his care for the wellbeing of communities in rural areas,” he said during a presentation ceremony held in Tenom.

Jamawi added that the route between Pangi Village and Tenom Town is frequently affected, especially during the rainy season or monsoon, which hampers residents’ mobility.

He noted that in certain conditions, residents have to walk up to six hours to reach Tenom Town if the route becomes impassable.

“Every time it rains or during the monsoon season, this route is affected. For three to four months without proper access, they have to walk from Pangi Village to Tenom Town for up to six hours.

“This hardship is well understood by the Chief Minister,” he said.

In response, he announced that the State Government has instructed the Sabah Public Works Department (JKR) to expedite the construction of a road connecting Tenom and Pangi.

Although the area still lacks sufficient alternative transportation, safety considerations for residents must be prioritised.

Jamawi also highlighted the strong spirit of the rural community, which continues to strive for progress despite infrastructural limitations.

“Even though they live in remote areas inaccessible by vehicles, they still have initiatives to develop themselves and support their families,” he said.

In related news, he informed that a delegation from Pangi Village met with the Director of Sabah Public Works Department, Datuk Ir. Philemon Lajawai, to seek clarification on the Tenom–Pangi road construction project.

The briefing indicated that a proposed 9.2-kilometre road linking Tenom and Pangi is being planned.

The appointed consulting firm is expected to complete the work by May this year,” he said.

According to Jamawi, the project is expected to take between three and four years to complete after implementation begins.

He added that during this period, residents will still need transportation for daily activities and cannot rely solely on the existing railway services.

However, he expressed optimism that the road project offers new hope for the community, as it has been included in Sabah Public Works Department’s development programme.

In a separate event yesterday, Jamawi attended a breaking of fast at Masjid Al-Rahman Tenom and officiated the Chinese New Year celebration at Dewan Chung Hwa with members of the School Management Board (LPS), educators, and students.