Phoong (fourth left) witnessing the arrival of three pink buses at the Sepanggar Port.
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 22): The arrival of three brand-new ‘Pink Buses’ at Sepanggar Port marks the long-anticipated beginning of a modernised public transport system in the state capital.
Minister of Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, expressed his delight as he personally witnessed the release of the buses at the port yesterday.
Phoong, who also serves as the Coordinating Minister for Public Transport in Kota Kinabalu, was joined by officers from the Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) and local bus operator Jaguh Bayu Sdn Bhd.
“This moment is truly meaningful. It signals the start of a safe, reliable and comfortable public transport service for the people of Kota Kinabalu, a vision we have pursued for many years,” said Phoong.
Fondly dubbed the ‘Pink Buses’ by the public, the new fleet operates under the official name BAS.MY, part of the federal government’s Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) initiative.
Similar services have already been introduced in other major cities across Malaysia and Sabah is now catching up in earnest.
Phoong extended his gratitude to Minister of Transport, Anthony Loke, for his support in bringing the programme to Kota Kinabalu and credited Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for ensuring Sabah was not left behind.
Earlier this month, Phoong chaired a coordination meeting with LPKP chairman Vivian Wong and Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah to finalise preparations for the rollout of the SBST programme.
Yesterday, he led a delegation to Sepanggar Port for an operational briefing and a first-hand inspection of the new buses.
Following the briefing, he revealed that preparations are now well underway, from staff recruitment and driver training to route planning and inter-agency coordination.
“We are looking at trial runs beginning in September or October. These trials are essential, not just to train drivers, but also to allow DBKK time to coordinate infrastructure readiness such as bus stops and signage,” he said.
Phoong added that public awareness campaigns will soon be launched, including free ride schemes for senior citizens aged 60 and above, persons with disabilities, and students.
Registration counters will be set up to facilitate the issuance of the “MyKonsesi” Pink Bus concession cards.
In total, the SBST programme will see the introduction of 48 new buses to serve Kota Kinabalu. The rollout will take place in stages, subject to manufacturers’ production timelines, with full operations expected to begin after Chinese New Year 2026.
The minister and officials also boarded one of the buses to inspect its features. Each bus comes equipped with air conditioning, GPS tracking, CCTV surveillance and an electronic ticketing system that supports seven payment methods, including debit and credit cards, identity cards and the MyKonsesi concession card. This move is expected to eliminate the need for cash transactions, ensuring a safer and more efficient ride.
Crucially, all buses will operate on fixed routes and schedules, a shift from the current informal system, dramatically improving service reliability.
Covering major areas such as Kota Kinabalu city centre, KK International Airport, Luyang, Likas, Putatan and more, the modern service will operate on eight routes with 155 designated bus stops. All services will be centred around KK Sentral Terminal.
One of the planned routes will connect KK Sentral to Jalan Gaya, the court complex, Luyang Plaza, Foh Sang, Damai, Tshung Tsin Secondary School, Likas Sports Complex, the Sabah International Convention Centre and back to KK Sentral.
“This was the dream that inspired me to enter politics, to fight for a modern bus system that the people of Kota Kinabalu deserve. Seeing the buses finally arrive today is deeply fulfilling,” he said, while recalling his days as a student nearly two decades ago, when he frequently relied on the city’s ageing buses.
“I hope this new system will encourage more young people, especially students, to take public transport again. It’s not only good for easing traffic but helps to build a sustainable transport culture,” he said.
Beyond daily convenience, Phoong emphasised the broader impact of the initiative. As a tourism city, Kota Kinabalu must be able to offer visitors an efficient and reliable public transport experience, he said.
“A safe, modern, and dependable bus service is the hallmark of any progressive city,” Phoong stressed.
“This is more than just about buses, it’s about uplifting the city’s image and enhancing the quality of life for its people,” he concluded.
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