Tenom railbus incident caused by driver negligence, Sabah railway department investigation finds

KOTA KINABALU (March 11): The Sabah State Railway Department (JKNS), in an internal investigation through a Board of Enquiry (BOE) on March 9, found that the untoward train incident in Tenom on March 3 was caused by the negligence of the Railbus RB8801 driver, who failed to carry out an inspection of the machinery before commencing the journey.

According to a statement from Sabah Ministry of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport, the driver also failed to close the isolating valve at the Tenom End Driving Cab and did not conduct a dynamic test to ensure that the braking system was functioning properly.

“This negligence caused the braking system of Railbus RB8801 to not function fully, which subsequently resulted in the collision with the motor trolley,” the ministry said in a statement.

On March 3, while the train service was operating from Tenom Station to KM134/4, an incident occurred involving a collision between Railbus RB8801 and a motor trolley at KM134/4.

Following the incident, the JKNS conducted an internal investigation through a BOE on March 9.

The ministry also said that after the Railbus stopped at KM133/8, the driver inspected and corrected the position of the isolating valve.

“A test run conducted afterwards found that the braking system was functioning properly, enabling the Railbus to return to Tenom Station without the need for rescue or towing by another locomotive.

“An inspection by the Assistant Engineer shortly after the Railbus returned to the station confirmed that the braking system was fully operational,” it said.

The ministry also said that railway services resumed normal operations on March 4 using the same vehicle, and to date Railbus RB8801 has been operating without any issues.

“The BOE investigation was carried out comprehensively, covering the incident report, statements from staff of the Mechanical Engineering Division, recordings from the Digital Mobile Video Recorder (DMVR) on the vehicle, as well as technical inspections and simulations at the incident location.

“Based on the findings of the JKNS Internal Investigation Committee, disciplinary action will be recommended against the driver in accordance with the Sabah State Public Service Regulations (PPPANS) 2008 [Code of Conduct Article 208(2)(j)] for negligence in carrying out his duties,” the ministry said.

It added that JKNS will implement appropriate improvement measures to strengthen operational procedures and enhance compliance with safety requirements in order to prevent similar incidents from recurring.

“The safety of passengers and railway services remains a priority for the Sabah State Railway Department.”

The ministry stated that JKNS confirms that the railway services currently in operation are safe for use by the public.

“In addition, under the Sabah State Railway Enactment 2017, railway reserve areas are restricted zones.

“Any activity within the railway track area must obtain approval from the Minister upon the recommendation of the Director of JKNS.

“The use of motor trolleys built using motorcycles on the railway tracks without permission is an offence and may cause damage to the rails as well as jeopardise the safety of railway operations. This collision incident was reported to the State Cabinet on March 11, 2026.”

Meanwhile, Sabah Minister of Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Datuk Ewon Benedick, when met at the JKNS Berbuka Puasa event here, clarified that the motor trolley was not thrown onto the track to stop the out-of-control train.

“The motor trolley was already on the track and was actually part of the mode of transportation used by the local communities. It was not thrown onto the track to stop the train,” he said.

Ewon also said that no other activity should have taken place on the railway track and that there is a need to study the motor trolley transportation mode used as a means of transport.

“There should be no other movement on the track. This we have informed to the Cabinet,” he said.

He added that he will conduct an engagement with all parties concerned on the issue.

At the same time, Ewon also stressed that the train involved remains safe for use, and that in the near future he will take a ride on the train.

Earlier, Ewon, together with JKNS director, Mohammad Safri Abd Habi, and the ministry’s permanent secretary, Datuk Thomas Logijin, distributed Ramadan goodies to the users of the JKNS’ services.

“This is a tradition of the department as a show of appreciation for their continued support towards the service,” he said.

“Some of the passengers travel as far as Beaufort, with some going to work and some studying at tertiary education centres.

“This shows that the demand for the train services, particularly due to its affordability, continues to attract users,” he said.