Ewon Welcomes Feasibility Study and Preliminary Design for Railway Link Connecting KKIP and Sepanggar Port
KOTA KINABALU, 9 December 2025 — Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick has welcomed the commencement of a Feasibility Study and Preliminary Design for a new railway system connecting Putatan to the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) and Sepanggar Port, calling it a crucial step in shaping Sabah’s future rail transport network.
Ewon, who also serves as the State Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, said the study would provide essential insights to support Sabah’s long-term industrial and logistics agenda.
“I welcome the intention of the Sabah State Railway Department (JKNS) to begin this study soon. I look forward to the findings because enhanced connectivity is vital, especially in linking Sabah’s industrial parks with ports across the state,” he said during a press conference after his working visit to JKNS here today.
He said the study’s findings would become “critical input” in charting a new direction for Sabah’s rail transport system and ensuring it aligns with the state’s industrial development priorities.
Trans-Borneo Railway Study Also Underway
Ewon also noted that the ongoing Feasibility Study for the Trans-Borneo Railway Project will receive additional input from his ministry to safeguard Sabah’s interests.
“JKNS has presented its views by prioritising ports across Sabah, including Tawau, Lahad Datu, Sandakan, Kudat and Kota Kinabalu,” he added.
Rail Fare Review and System Upgrades
The minister further welcomed the review of existing train service fares and other studies aimed at improving railway systems and assets.
“JKNS currently collects around RM1.2 million annually. With the ongoing and upcoming studies, I believe the government will be able to formulate a new direction that increases revenue while maintaining the department’s responsibility to serve the public,” he said.
Ewon reiterated his commitment to strengthening Sabah’s rail services and transforming them into a future primary mode of transport.
“I want to see a long-term vision where railway transport becomes the main mobility mode for the people of Sabah. JKNS has continuously taken steps in this direction, and I will support every plan to upgrade their facilities and services,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in the Sabah First team at JKNS and hoped they would continue to deliver safe, efficient and high-quality rail services.
Study Completion by 2026
JKNS Director Ir. Mohammad Safri said the Trans-Borneo Railway Feasibility Study will take 12 months and is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Meanwhile, the Feasibility and Preliminary Design Study for the Putatan–KKIP–Sepanggar Port Railway System is set to begin soon and is also expected to take 12 months.
During the visit, Ir. Safri briefed Ewon and his delegation on existing services, operational challenges and new initiatives under JKNS.
The visit was joined by Assistant Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Jonnybone J. Kurum, Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Thomas Logijin, as well as senior officers from the ministry and JKNS.
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