Kota Kinabalu: The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Malaysia (CILTM), Sabah Section, voiced serious concern over Tuesday’s runaway train on the Tenom-Pangi route.
The institute called for an immediate review and upgrade of rail safety systems to align with modern, risk-based asset management standards.
Although no casualties were reported in the incident involving the passenger train carrying teachers from SK Pangi, CILTM stressed that the episode must alarm every stakeholder in Sabah’s transport ecosystem.
The train was eventually brought to a halt only after villagers threw a motorcycle trolley on the track to slow it down, a move that averted what could have been a serious derailment.
“A brake malfunction severe enough to create a runaway scenario raises fundamental questions about maintenance discipline, system redundancy, inspection protocols and emergency preparedness,” said CILTM’s Sabah Section Cairman Daniel Doughty, in a statement, Wednesday.
Among the measures proposed by the institute are an independent technical investigation to determine the root cause of the brake failure, as well as a full audit of rolling stock maintenance records and safety compliance frameworks under the Sabah State Railway Department.
“The findings of the investigation should be transparently disclosed to restore public confidence in Sabah’s rail network,” he added.
He noted that on rural lines like the Tenom-Pangi route, where transport options are limited, operators have an even greater duty to maintain the highest standards of safety and reliability.
“This must not be treated as an isolated event. Near-misses are warnings in disguise, and ignoring them would be indefensible,” he said.
Daniel added that CILT Malaysia, through its network of rail experts, stands ready to provide technical expertise and professional guidance to help ensure Sabah’s rail system remains safe, resilient and accountable.
“Public transport must be reliable. Above all, it must be safe,” he said, adding that public safety must never depend on improvised, last-minute intervention.
