KOTA KINABALU: Sabah took its first step in introducing green public transportation with the launch of the state’s inaugural electric bus (e-Bus) by state owned Qhazanah Sabah Berhad (QSB).

       State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin, who officiated the launch, said that the e-Bus service was a step in the right direction for the state.

       "This is an important development in getting our public transport on the right environmental track 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," he said in the speech read by his assistant minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

       He said it was important for Sabah to move towards green transport system.

       "All around the world usage of electric powered vehicles is on the increase as they are a more environmentally friendly way of getting around. We must move in this direction," he added.

       He said QSB's initiative to introduce this e-Bus in Kota Kinabalu was in the right direction especially in the absence of mass rapid transit in the city,

       "For now, electric powered buses or e-Buses can be a viable alternative for a clean public transport service," Jafry added.

       Jafry also urged the relevant authorities to explore the use of e-Buses further as the 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.

       QSB executive director Mohd Shukor Abdul Mumin said once the e-Bus commence its pilot project, Sabah would be one step closer towards harnessing clean energy to power its public transportation.

       The e-Bus introductory was the result of a collaboration between QSB and Gemilang Coachwork Sdn Bhd, one of Asia’s leading e–Bus and aluminium bus body builders. A pilot run is expected to begin by December.

       The e-Bus, which has a capacity for 66 passengers, also features a boarding ramp to provide easy accessibility for the disabled and the elderly.