The Sabah government has announced that it will run an electric bus pilot project in Kota Kinabalu by the end of this year, according to state tourism, culture and environment minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin.
“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,” Jafry said in his statement, as reported by NST.
“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 added.
The e-Bus is the result of collaboration between QSB and Johor-based Gemilang Coachwork, with the latter being one of the leading electric bus and aluminium bus body manufacturers in Asia with more than three decades of industry experience.
“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 commented, adding that relevant authorities should explore the use of e-Buses for other parts of Sabah.
The e-Bus has a capacity of up to 66 passengers and is equipped with a boarding ramp to provide easier access for the elderly and disabled. The pilot project is expected to begin once coordination with local authorities is completed to facilitate the movement of commuters in Kota Kinabalu.
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When it comes to electric buses, Gemilang is one of the top names to be reckoned with. Technologically sound project partner, looking forward to good implementation over there in Sabah
Gemilang is just the body builder, nothing to shout about. They key is drivetrain which probably comes from China BYD.
Great, how much has the government fork out this time? Not to mention how many percent were swept into their pockets?
Oh great, wonderful. Everytime Government does something someone will criticise it, might as well don’t do anything and let our country crumble but then you peeps would complain about that too! Orz
Whatever medication they gave you, it’s not working.
Oh I am so sorry, we gave him your meds. Now stay still while we tranquilise you.
I don’t need meds. Can’t you read that I’m Healthy & Energetic? It must be due to you being too immersed in your comic book character.
Copy paste: “Since u thought about it, it must be u.”
Copy paste = Dr Strange = Sick & Tired
Many Sabahans are sceptical about this project taken into consideration that Kota Kinabalu electric supply is not reliable. Kota Kinabalu is currently experiencing frequent power supply breakdowns as many areas having power supply disruptions too frequently. The KKnites are wondering what will happen if such situation happens?
The people will be very happy if the government instructed the concessionaire company to reseal many of the roads and streets that are in bad conditions. What is happening right now is that the roads and streets are being patched up/ filled when potholes occurred whereas the resurfacing are due. The road users in Sabah in general and Kota Kinabalu in particular are taken for a ride by those responsible.
I like that it is environment friendly bus. BUT, our roads in Sabah very poor quality and not made and maintain properly. This new bus is about the same size and weight as the old short-lived. Bandaraya Konsortium Buses. It damaged our roads as it cannot cope with the buses weight. Holes and bumps appeared. Hope that the gov will pay attention to the quality and materials used for building roads.