Kota Kinabalu: Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick said the Sabah Railway Department (JKNS) is set to accelerate rail infrastructure development with 39 projects throughout the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) from 2026 to 2030.
These include eight ongoing initiatives and 24 new ones to be launched next year, following JKNS’ transfer to the Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport.
Ewon, also Industrial Development , Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister, announced the plans in his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly.
He said JKNS’ placement under his portfolio would bring a stronger focus on expanding and upgrading the State’s rail network to support economic growth.
The eight ongoing projects, slated to finish in the second year of the 13MP, include critical upgrades and new developments such as:
- Slope and embankment repairs along the railway alignment between Beaufort and Tenom to enhance safety and service reliability.
- Procurement of two Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) non-powered cars and one locomotive to boost passenger and cargo capacity.
- A feasibility study and preliminary design for a new rail link connecting Putatan to the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) and Sepanggar Port – a key initiative to improve connectivity for businesses and reduce road congestion.
Among the 24 new rail projects kicking off next year are major initiatives including:
- Feasibility studies for an urban rail-based public transport system in Kota Kinabalu and its surrounding areas, aimed at providing a more efficient alternative for daily commuters.
- Procurement of four additional non-powered cars (NPC) to expand the existing DMU fleet.
- Various upgrading works for JKNS assets, including track maintenance, station improvements and signal system enhancements to modernise the State’s rail infrastructure.
Ewon emphasised that the enhanced focus on railways aligns with the 13MP’s goals of strengthening Sabah’s transport network to support increasing investment and economic activity in the State.
In a related move, the State Government also placed the Sabah Ports Authority under the Ministry to ensure port facilities develop in tandem with rail infrastructure.
For 2026, the Ministry will prioritise expediting the Sapangar Bay Container Port (SBCP) capacity expansion project – critical for supporting rising foreign direct investment – and identify interim solutions to address current container congestion at SBCP.
The Sabah Ports and Wharves Department (JPDS), also under the Ministry, will implement priority projects carried over from the 12th Malaysia Plan, including upgrading Menumbok Jetty Terminal, building a pontoon jetty in Karakit, installing a Vessel Traffic Monitoring System in Tawau and conducting preliminary works for a ferry terminal between Pulau Bum Bum and Semporna.
JPDS will also continue maintaining government vessels, public wharves and water traffic control facilities.
“With increasing investment growth in Sabah, our transport network – from railways to ports – must be ready to support this expansion and connect communities and businesses more effectively,” Ewon said.
