LABUAN: Sabah Railway’s plan to develop a cashless ticketing system for its daily commuters makes no sense as it disregards the fact that the service is widely used by villagers and it would be “troublesome nuisance” for many to comply with.
“Most of these villagers are simple farmers let alone having a bank account doubtfully even possess a modern handphone with digital payment platforms and some may even not have electricity to charge phones.
“Sabah Railway should make a study of the situation before rushing into the cashless system which would serve little purpose, instead the Railway should focus on more important priorities, ” said activist Hj Abdul Jalil Ghani.
He said cashless payment for public transport in major towns was unlikely a problem because its common even for students to have e-wallet, QR codes or bank cards for payments but not in the case of villagers in the interior.
He said the department should instead at Sembulan ensure well maintained rail tracks and damages repaired immediately without services disrupted noting that in the past there had been reports of some having to use home-made trolleys to paddle on rail tracks to reach markets.
He added the fittings in the train should also be upgraded to make the journey comfortable and reflect Sabah railways is keeping abreast with times.
Jalil added that its stations at Sembulan, Tanjung Aru, Putatan, Kinarut, Kawang, Papar, Kimanis, Bongawan, Membakut, Beaufort, Saliwangan Baru, Halogilat, Rayoh, Pangi and Tenom should be looked into for development as a mini business hub and attraction.
“These upgrades would be more meaningful” remarked Jalil.
He said another improvement would be to enhance the safety features of railway crossings where several had occured in the past.
Jalil comments came in the wake of Sabah State Railway director Mohammad Safri Abdul Habi announcement that the railway was developing a cashless payment that will be competed by Jue this. He said the purpose was to provide a more convenient and efficient payment method.
