TENOM: Trolleys used for transporting Kampung Pangi villagers to Tenom can potentially become a tourism product in the state, Tenom member of parliament Riduan Rubin said.
These trolleys consist of several components, including a motorcycle as the main driver, wooden boards for passenger seating, and wheels underneath to enable movement on the railway tracks.
It moves along a railway track to the village, accessible only by trains operated by the Sabah State Railway Department (JKNS), which runs a few times daily.
Riduan added that the proposal is being refined in collaboration with JKNS, covering the aspects of safety, operations, and implementation methods.
"This year, I have met with the JKNS director, and we noted that transportation in Kampung Pangi currently includes two options: trains and the unrecognised trolley.
"However, we cannot dismiss the trolley service outright, even though it may be dangerous. In other countries, trolley services have successfully attracted tourists.
"We have discussed this with JKNS, and they will collaborate with the village chief of Pangi. JKNS will oversee trolley operations to ensure that villagers adhere to safety standards, making the trolley safe to use," he was quoted in a statement issued by the Sabah Information Department.
A trolley operator, Tabari Basili, 67, said he has been ferrying villagers to town for the past two years.
"As for the fare, it depends on what the villagers give; sometimes it's RM8, and sometimes RM10," he said, adding that while the earnings are not substantial, they are sufficient to support his family's needs with the trolley service.