Boosting rural tourism in Sabah through a train travel series

Sabah’s unique railway system is not just a mode of transportation, but a lifeline for the people living in the remote interiors of the state. Parti Bersatu Sabah Api-Api Division information chief Yee Tsai Yiew recently embarked on a train journey from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom to showcase the untapped potential of promoting travel by train among tourists.

Yiew, who launched her YouTube travel series ‘Sabah for Yiew’, aims to highlight the beauty of Sabah through her videos and raise awareness about the importance of the railway system in connecting the rural areas where road access is limited. She believes that a comprehensive train service can boost economic growth and rural tourism potential in the state.

The Sabah State Railway Department is currently the only train operator in Borneo, operating a 134 km line from Tanjung Aru to Tenom. Yiew urged the Federal Ministry of Transport to support the department’s plans to improve infrastructure and quality of service to provide Sabahans with an efficient and safe train service.

The ‘Sabah for Yiew – Train series’ will feature train travels to Papar, Beaufort, and Tenom, showcasing the unique experiences and hidden beauty of Sabah. Yiew’s initiative not only promotes tourism but also highlights the significance of the railway system in connecting communities and driving economic development in the state. Stay tuned for her weekly videos on YouTube to explore Sabah’s charm through the lens of a train journey.