Kuala Lumpur: Sabah’s public transport services and airport facilities were among the key issues discussed by Senator Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe with Transport Minister Anthony Loke at Transport Expo Asia 2026 in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
Phoong, who is also Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) chairman, raised plans to improve Kota Kinabalu’s Pink Bus services, pursue the programme’s second phase and upgrade Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Sandakan airports.
He said the eight existing Pink Bus routes were being reviewed based on passenger demand, population distribution and urban development, with improvements to routes, bus stops and passenger shelters needed to better serve commuters.
Phoong also welcomed the RM1.1 billion allocation announced under Budget 2027 by the Federal Government and Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) for airport upgrades and related facilities nationwide, including the three airports in Sabah.
He urged the Transport Ministry to ensure the projects were implemented according to clear timelines, citing the repeated delays in the Pan Borneo Highway project as a reminder of the need for timely infrastructure delivery.
Phoong also attended a forum on greener shipping practices and engaged with local and international industry representatives to explore opportunities in transport, logistics and trade, saying Sabah needed stronger infrastructure and connectivity to realise its potential as a regional trade and logistics hub.
