KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is expected to introduce a new commuter rail service linking Kinarut and Sembulan in October, expanding access to public rail transport for communities along the route.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III and Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transportation Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick said the service would include six newly completed stops along the route, providing commuters with more convenient access to rail services.

He said the initiative was an important step towards making Sabah’s rail system more accessible, practical and closer to the people, particularly those travelling from residential areas to the city centre.

“The commuter service is an important step in our efforts to make rail services more accessible, practical and closer to the people,” Ewon said in his speech at the 130th Railway Day celebration of the Sabah State Railway Department at Tanjung Aru Station today.

He said the six stops would give commuters more options, as they would no longer have to rely solely on major railway stations to access the service.

Instead, passengers would be able to board at stops located closer to their residential areas before continuing their journey towards the city centre.

Ewon said the introduction of the commuter service was in line with the Sabah government’s efforts to develop a more integrated, efficient and people-friendly public transport system.

“As a ministry responsible for the transportation sector in Sabah, MINDET will continue to focus on strengthening the state’s public transport system,” he said.

He added that transportation development was closely linked to economic growth, urban development, business activity and the overall wellbeing of the people.

Ewon said the 130th anniversary of the Sabah railway service was not merely a celebration of its long history, but also an opportunity to reflect on its contribution to the state’s development and the lives of Sabahans.

The railway service in Sabah dates back to 1896, and its 130-year history reflects its resilience, continuity and enduring importance as part of the state’s public transport network.

He said the state government remained committed to modernising and strengthening railway services to ensure they remained relevant, efficient, safe and responsive to growing mobility needs.

“With continuous improvements in infrastructure, service quality, safety and passenger facilities, I believe the Sabah State Railway Department will continue to play an important role in the state’s socioeconomic development,” he said.

Ewon also expressed appreciation to current and former employees of the Sabah State Railway Department for their contributions and commitment in keeping the railway service operating and serving the community over the decades.

He said the 130th Railway Day should serve not only as an occasion to celebrate more than a century of achievements, but also as a platform to look ahead towards building a more modern, efficient, competitive and people-oriented railway system for Sabah.

“May Sabah’s railway service continue to grow and be strengthened as one of the people’s preferred public transport options, while contributing to the state’s development and the wellbeing of the community,” he said.