KOTA KINABALU: The State Legislative Assembly yesterday passed the Train Bill 2017.
In tabling the Bill, Deputy Chief Minister cum Infrastructure Development Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan said the passage of time had called for the refurbishment of the state’s public transportation sector, especially the railway sector.
This is due to the increasing demands of the people to have a more comfortable, efficient and effective transportation system.
As of now, the rail services in the state is only focused on the railway path from Tanjung Aru Station to the Tenom Station through the Beaufort Station, which totals up to 134 kilometres in distance.
Pairin said the current law, the Train Ordinance (Chapter 116) had to be replaced with a new a law that would be more comprehensive and effective.
He also said the increasing number of tourists who were interested in enjoying the scenery through the Tanjung Aru-Tenom Railway had further warranted the need for a new Bill.
In line with this, the state government will be working closely with the federal government in the funding of the development of the state railway sector.
In addition, the new Bill will also look into the role of the private institutions in the railway sector.