Train driver faulted on the railbus Trolley Motor collision

11 March 2026

KOTA KINABALU: An internal investigation was carried out by the Sabah State Railway Department (JKNS) pertaining to the Train and trolley motor incident that occurred on March 3.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Transport, the investigation was carried out by JKNS Board of Enquiry (BOE) on the incident where a collision occurred between Railbus RB8801 and a trolley motor at KM 134/4.

The investigation found that the incident resulted from negligence by the driver of Railbus RB8801, who failed to inspect the machinery before starting the journey.

The driver also neglected to close the isolating valve on the Tenom End Driving Cab and did not perform a dynamic brake test to ensure the braking system was fully functional.

This oversight caused the Railbus RB8801 braking system to malfunction partially, leading to the collision with the trolley motor.

After the Railbus stopped at KM 133/8, the driver checked and corrected the isolating valve position.

A subsequent test drive confirmed the braking system was operating correctly, allowing the Railbus to return to Tenom Station without rescue or towing by other machinery.

An inspection by the Assistant Engineer upon its return verified that the braking system was fully operational.Train services resumed normally on 4 March 2026 using the same machinery, and Railbus RB8801 has operated without issues since.

The BOE investigation was comprehensive, covering the incident report, statements from Engineering Division staff, Digital Mobile Video Recorder (DMVR) footage from the machinery, and technical inspections and simulations at the scene.

Based on the findings of the JKNS Internal Investigation Committee, disciplinary action is recommended against the driver under the Sabah State Public Service Regulations (PPPANS) 2008 [Conduct Regulation 208(2)(j)] for negligence in performing duties.

JKNS will also implement appropriate improvement measures to strengthen operational procedures and enhance compliance with safety aspects, preventing similar incidents.

Passenger safety and train services remain the top priority for the Sabah State Railway Department..

JKNS confirms that operating train services are safe for public use.

Furthermore, under the Sabah State Railway Enactment 2017, railway reserve areas are prohibited zones. Any activities on the trackbed require approval from the Minister via the recommendation of the JKNS Director.

Using a trolley motor constructed from a motorcycle on the tracks without permission is an offence that can damage rails and compromise train operation safety.

This collision incident was reported to the State Executive Council on 11 March 2026.