Sabah State Railway (JKNS) is developing a cashless payment system for daily commuters, with the project expected to be completed by June this year.
JKNS director Mohammad Safri Abdul Habi said the initiative is part of the department’s digitalisation drive aimed at improving convenience and efficiency for rail passengers in the state.
“JKNS has already introduced cashless ticketing for tourism packages, where tickets are purchased online. We are now developing a similar system for daily commuters, and it is expected to be ready by June,” he told Bernama recently.
Bernama previously reported that Sabah’s train services remain a popular and affordable mode of daily transport, especially for commuters seeking lower-cost alternatives. However, many users have called for a modernised ticketing system aligned with current digital trends to improve speed and ease of use.
Mohammad Safri said JKNS will conduct a trial phase once the system is completed, including a pilot project this year to test its effectiveness before full implementation. He added that the rollout will also require supporting infrastructure upgrades.
On fares, he noted that the current rate stands at five sen per kilometre. The state government has already approved a study to review the existing fare structure, with findings now being refined before any formal proposal is submitted to the relevant ministry.
“JKNS is finalising the study. Any recommendation on fare adjustments will be submitted to the ministry, and if necessary, brought to the Cabinet for approval,” he said.
He added that the final decision on fare revisions lies with the state Cabinet, as Sabah’s rail service is considered part of the government’s social responsibility.
Separately, JKNS continues to focus on improving passenger comfort through ongoing asset upgrades and rolling stock transformation programmes, subject to government approval and available funding.
Currently, Sabah’s railway network operates across 15 stations from Sembulan to Tenom, with fares ranging from 40 sen to RM7.20 for adults and 20 sen to RM3.75 for children.
The stations include Sembulan, Tanjung Aru, Putatan, Kinarut, Kawang, Papar, Kimanis, Bongawan, Membakut, Beaufort, Saliwangan Baru, Halogilat, Rayoh, Pangi and Tenom.
Deputy Chief Minister III and Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick recently said the fare review study is about 90% complete. A feasibility study for the Putatan–KKIP–Sepanggar route is expected to take 12 months as part of broader plans to expand the rail network.
The ministry will also launch a Sabah Sustainable Transport Master Plan study this year, with JKNS involved in both steering and technical committees.
