Kota Kinabalu: Kota Kinabalu’s long-awaited modern public bus system is finally becoming a reality with the arrival of three new “Pink Buses” at Sepanggar Port for more comfortable, safe and reliable service.
State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, who also serves as the Coordinating Minister for Public Transport in Kota Kinabalu, said trial operations are expected to begin in September or October, to allow drivers to familiarise themselves with the routes and traffic conditions, while City Hall prepares facilities.
Phoong, who witnessed the release of the buses with officials from the Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board and local operator Jaguh Bayu, thanked Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for bringing the modern service to the city.
Officially known as BAS.MY, the service has already been nicknamed “Pink Buses” by the public. Similar systems are operating in other major Malaysian cities.
Phoong said recruitment and driver training were already underway, with procurement of more buses progressing. Route planning and coordination with agencies are being finalised.
At the same time, public awareness campaigns will be rolled out.
Free rides will be offered for senior citizens, students and persons with disabilities, with concession cards issued under the “MyKonsesi” Pink Bus scheme.
A total of 48 buses will be deployed under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, arriving in stages depending on production schedules.
Full operations are expected after Chinese New Year in 2026.
Phoong and officials also boarded one of the buses, which comes with air-conditioning, GPS tracking, CCTV and an electronic ticketing system supporting seven cashless payment methods.
Services will run on fixed routes and timetables, covering eight routes and 143 bus stops with KK Sentral as the main hub. Areas to be served include the city centre, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Luyang, Likas, Cybercity, Putatan and other key residential and commercial areas.
One example route will connect KK Sentral – Jalan Gaya – Court Complex – Luyang Plaza – Foh Sang – Damai – Tshung Tsin Secondary School – Likas Sports Complex – Sabah International Convention Centre – KK City Centre – back to KK Sentral.
Phoong said the launch marks a milestone in transforming Kota Kinabalu’s public transport.
“This has been my vision since I first entered politics and became an assemblyman — to fight for a modern bus system for Kota Kinabalu. Seeing these buses arrive is truly emotional and fulfilling, representing years of effort,” he said.
He added the new system would improve quality of life, reduce congestion and boost the city’s image as a tourism destination.
“Safe, efficient and dependable public transport is a fundamental requirement of any modern city. Now Kota Kinabalu will be able to provide this to both its people and visitors,” he said.
State Industrial Development and Entrepreneurship Minister Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, who also serves as the Coordinating Minister for Public Transport in Kota Kinabalu, said trial operations are expected to begin in September or October, to allow drivers to familiarise themselves with the routes and traffic conditions, while City Hall prepares facilities.
Phoong, who witnessed the release of the buses with officials from the Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board and local operator Jaguh Bayu, thanked Transport Minister Anthony Loke and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim for bringing the modern service to the city.
Officially known as BAS.MY, the service has already been nicknamed “Pink Buses” by the public. Similar systems are operating in other major Malaysian cities.
Phoong said recruitment and driver training were already underway, with procurement of more buses progressing. Route planning and coordination with agencies are being finalised.
At the same time, public awareness campaigns will be rolled out.
Free rides will be offered for senior citizens, students and persons with disabilities, with concession cards issued under the “MyKonsesi” Pink Bus scheme.
A total of 48 buses will be deployed under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, arriving in stages depending on production schedules.
Full operations are expected after Chinese New Year in 2026.
Phoong and officials also boarded one of the buses, which comes with air-conditioning, GPS tracking, CCTV and an electronic ticketing system supporting seven cashless payment methods.
Services will run on fixed routes and timetables, covering eight routes and 143 bus stops with KK Sentral as the main hub. Areas to be served include the city centre, Kota Kinabalu International Airport, Luyang, Likas, Cybercity, Putatan and other key residential and commercial areas.
One example route will connect KK Sentral – Jalan Gaya – Court Complex – Luyang Plaza – Foh Sang – Damai – Tshung Tsin Secondary School – Likas Sports Complex – Sabah International Convention Centre – KK City Centre – back to KK Sentral.
Phoong said the launch marks a milestone in transforming Kota Kinabalu’s public transport.
“This has been my vision since I first entered politics and became an assemblyman — to fight for a modern bus system for Kota Kinabalu. Seeing these buses arrive is truly emotional and fulfilling, representing years of effort,” he said.
He added the new system would improve quality of life, reduce congestion and boost the city’s image as a tourism destination.
“Safe, efficient and dependable public transport is a fundamental requirement of any modern city. Now Kota Kinabalu will be able to provide this to both its people and visitors,” he said.