KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is taking its first step into the realm of green public transportation with the launch of the State's inaugural electric bus (e-Bus) today.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said the use of e-Bus could reduce the traffic congestion and pollution in 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.
"We must do whatever we have at our disposal to address this dire situation that is an imminent threat to humanity. 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 said in a statement today.
Jafry officiated the launch ceremony of the e-Bus at Wisma Tun Fuad Stephens today. He was represented at the event by his Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
On hand to witness the event was Qhazanah Sabah Berhad (QSB) Executive Director Mohd Shukor Abdul Mumin
In his remarks for the introductory launch, Jaffry lauded QSB's move to explore the potential of e-Bus as public transport in Sabah.
"I would like to express my thanks to QSB, the state government's strategic investment arm, for introducing this e-Bus product in Kota Kinabalu. In the absence of mass rapid transit in Kota Kinabalu for now, electric powered buses or e-Buses can be a viable alternative for a clean public transport service," Jafry said.
He 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 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 e-Bus begins 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 e-Bus was to complement existing public transportation services, Shukor said the e-Bus would help promote a more ecologically sustainable lifestyle while helping to reduce carbon emissions into 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 ever ready to carry out strategic initiatives for the benefit of Sabahans," Shukor added.
The e-Bus introductory resulted from a collaboration between QSB and Gemilang Coachwork Sdn Bhd, one of Asia's leading e-Bus and aluminum bus body manufacturers.
The e-Bus is expected to be available once co-ordination with the authority is completed to accommodate the movement of thousands of people living in Kota Kinabalu areas. A pilot run is expected to begin by December.
Apart from providing a 'green' ride, the e-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 at the launching were QSB Director Datuk Dr. Johnson Tee, Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Rizal Dahli, Gemilang Coachwork Executive Director, Pang Jun Jie, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board (STB), Noredah Othman, Director of Sabah Commercial Licensing Board Puan Norsiah binti Patah and Deputy Director of Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) Sr. Lifred Wong.