Kota kinabalu: Sabah State Railway (JKNS) is set to introduce a cashless payment system for daily commuters, targeting completion by June this year. Mohammad Safri Abdul Habi, the director of JKNS, stated that this initiative is a part of the department's ongoing digitalisation efforts to offer a more convenient payment method for rail users in the state.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, JKNS has already implemented cashless ticketing through its tourism packages, allowing tickets to be purchased online. The department is now developing a similar system for daily train commuters, which is expected to be ready by June. Train services in Sabah continue to be a preferred and relevant transport mode, especially for those seeking cost-effective options. However, many users believe that the current ticketing system should embrace cashless payment methods to enhance speed and efficiency.
Mohammad Safri mentioned that once the cashless system is completed, JKNS will implement a trial phase, including a pilot project, to ensure its effectiveness before a full rollout. This development will also involve establishing the necessary infrastructure. Regarding fares, the current rate is set at five sen per kilometre, and the state government has approved a study to review the existing fare structure. The findings are being refined before any proposal is submitted to the relevant ministry.
JKNS is finalising the study, and any recommendation for fare revision will be submitted to the ministry. Should the need arise, the matter will be brought to the Cabinet for approval. The final decision on any fare adjustments rests with the state Cabinet, as Sabah's rail service is considered a social responsibility of the state government. Additionally, JKNS remains committed to enhancing passenger comfort through ongoing asset and rolling stock transformation programmes, which will be implemented continuously, subject to government approval and financial capacity.
Currently, Sabah's rail service operates across 15 stations, from Sembulan to Tenom, with adult one-way fares ranging from 40 sen to RM7.20 and for children from 20 sen to RM3.75. The stations include Sembulan, Tanjung Aru, Putatan, Kinarut, Kawang, Papar, Kimanis, Bongawan, Membakut, Beaufort, Saliwangan Baru, Halogilat, Rayoh, Pangi, and Tenom. Recently, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister III, who is also the Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Ewon Benedick, indicated that the fare review study is 90 percent complete.
In addition to this, a feasibility study for the Putatan-KKIP-Sepanggar route is set to take 12 months and is part of long-term plans to expand the state's rail network. The ministry will also initiate a Sabah Sustainable Transport Master Plan study this year, with JKNS participating in both the steering and technical committees.