KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s first electric bus service is expected to start its trial run soon in the state capital, with routes and other matters currently being finalised.

       The service is undertaken by the state government’s strategic investment arm Qhazanah Sabah Bhd (QSB), which announced the upcoming service in a statement on Sunday (Dec 5).

       QSB chief communications officer Muhammad Khairulnizam Hasnan said several technicalities needed ironing out with various authorities before the trial service can be rolled out, most likely early next year.

       “QSB is introducing the service as part of its contribution to improving Kota Kinabalu’s public transport system.

       “We are eager to get it going and the feedback we are getting is that folks here are looking forward to experiencing what the electric bus is all about,” said Muhammad Khairulnizam.

       He explained that such a service makes sense because it is environmentally friendly and the use of electric-powered vehicles is gaining momentum worldwide.

       For this reason too, QSB had proposed the introduction of a rapid transit service in the form of a 25.5km Skytrain connecting Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and Alamesra.

       He was referring to a recent memorandum of understanding inked late last month involving QSB subsidiary WHSB Ventures Sdn Bhd with several partners for the Skytrain project, which will include a 6.4ha mixed development along Tanjung Lipat, Likas.

       Muhammad Khairulnizam said these were part of the company’s effort to transform Kota Kinabalu’s public transport service for the benefit of Sabah as a whole.

       “We realise this is a long-term effort and there is much to be done, and we intend to do our part to help make it happen,” he added.