Sabah mulls modern rail system to industrial parks, ports to boost economy

KOTA KINABALU (April 23): Sabah is conducting a feasibility study on a modern rail system for the Putatan–Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park route and Sepanggar Port to strengthen Sabah’s logistics network, said Governor Tun Musa Aman. (pictured)

He said the study is one of the state government’s priorities for developing transport infrastructure to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth in Sabah.

“The Sabah Sustainable Transport Master Plan will also be implemented as a long-term strategic framework to develop a sustainable, safe and efficient public transport system.

“This effort is supported by the implementation of the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Transformation Programme in Kota Kinabalu to reduce traffic congestion in urban areas,” he said in delivering the state government’s policy speech at the opening of the second session of the 17th Sabah State Legislative Assembly (DUN) here on Thursday.

Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sabah DUN Speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim M Yahya.

Regarding the maritime sector, Tun Musa said navigation aids and facility upgrades, including construction of Menumbok Ferry Terminal Phases 4 and 5 and several public jetties at strategic locations, are being carried out as proactive measures to strengthen maritime safety.

Commenting on utilities development in Sabah, he said the state government will focus on increasing treated water production capacity, expanding rural water supply coverage, and reducing non-revenue water loss.

He said these efforts include projects to build and upgrade water treatment plants across the state and that the holistic non-revenue water programme will be extended to 12 districts in Sabah.

He said sewage wastewater management will continue to receive attention to protect public health, preserve water resources and ensure environmental sustainability.

“The state government will also introduce the use of geospatial technology and in-vessel composting systems to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the state’s sewerage services,” he added.

Tun Musa said the stability of the electricity supply will also be strengthened by implementing a long-term plan for electricity supply that focuses on diversifying generation sources such as renewable energy and natural gas.

He said these sources will serve as peaking plants and provide support through battery energy storage and other relevant new technologies.

“In addition, the strengthening of energy supply on the East Coast will be intensified through the implementation of the Southern Link Transmission Project Phase 1A,” he said.

In a separate development, Tun Musa said the state government is taking the increasing frequency of floods and landslides seriously and is implementing mitigation measures to address and reduce the impact of future floods.

He said this includes enhancing flood prevention plans, flood mitigation schemes, main urban drainage channels and early flood warning systems.

“Furthermore, the rehabilitation of vulnerable slopes and stabilisation of landslide-prone areas are being prioritised to minimise landslide risks.

“Allocations have also been made to upgrade and maintain roads and bridges to ensure that transport infrastructure damaged by natural disasters is restored promptly,” he said.

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