KOTA KINABALU – Sabah has taken delivery of its first electric bus here today, with nine more expected to arrive in the state soon as part of the state’s green public transportation plan.
The environmentally conscious project was made possible by state-owned investment arm Qhazanah Sabah Bhd (QSB), with the delivery ceremony officiated by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
A pilot run for the 10 electric buses is expected to commence in December, with service focused mainly in the city.
“This is a major development in getting our public transport on the right track, environmentally, for the future.
“The volume of vehicle traffic on Sabah roads is ever increasing and no one can deny the fact that emissions from conventional vehicles contribute to climate change.
“We must do whatever we have at our disposal to address this dire situation that is an imminent threat to mankind. All around the world, the usage of electric-powered vehicles is steadily increasing as it is a more environmentally friendly way of getting around. We must move in this direction.
“I would like to express my thanks to QSB for taking the initiative to introduce electric buses here. In the absence of mass rapid transit services in Kota Kinabalu for now, electric-powered buses can be a viable alternative for a clean public transport service,” Jafry said.
Jafry was accompanied by Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, along with Qhazanah Sabah Sdn Bhd executive director Mohd Shukor Abdul Mumin at the lobby of Wisma Tun Fuad here.
He also urged the relevant authorities to explore the use of electric buses further as a mainstay for public transport in Kota Kinabalu and elsewhere in Sabah in the future.
“We must find ways to make this a reality. Though it is now just one e-bus, let this be a significant starting point for a cleaner and more comfortable public transport system in Kota Kinabalu,” he said.
Meanwhile, Shukor said once the electric bus commences its pilot project, Sabah would be one step closer towards harnessing clean energy to power its public transportation.
“QSB is proud to play a part in the state government’s drive in promoting a green economy in line with the Sabah Maju Jaya initiative,” he added.
Noting that the electric bus is to complement existing public transportation services, Shukor said the pilot project would help promote a more ecologically sustainable lifestyle while helping to reduce carbon emissions in the environment.
“We at QSB strive for continuous innovation through our strategic investments and to assist the Sabah government in its drive to develop Sabah.
“We are always open to ideas and are ever ready to carry out strategic initiatives for the benefit of Sabahans,” Shukor added.
The introduction of the electric bus is the result of a collaboration between QSB and Gemilang Coachwork Sdn Bhd, one of Asia’s leading electric bus and aluminium bus body manufacturers.
The electric bus is expected to be available to the public once coordination with the authority is finalised to ferry commuters here.
Apart from providing a “green” ride, the electric bus with a capacity of up to 66 passengers would have easier access for the elderly and disabled on wheelchairs as it is equipped with a boarding ramp.
Also present during the launch were QSB director Datuk Johnson Tee, CEO Ahmad Rizal Dahli, Gemilang Coachwork executive director Pang Jun Jie, Sabah Tourism Board CEO Noredah Othman, Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board director Norsiah Patah and Kota Kinabalu City Hall deputy director Lifred Wong. – The Vibes, October 12, 2021.
