BAS.MY set for KK: Better and cheaper public bus service soon available in Kota Kinabalu
The pink public busses, also known as BAS.MY has finally arrived in Kota Kinabalu (KK), Sabah with the pre-launch of the BAS.MY bus services.
This modern system, a key component of the federal government’s Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, is set to revolutionise urban mobility in the Sabah capital as it offers free rides during it’s innitial introduction commencing in October 2025 and full operations anticipated for early 2026.
The initiative aims to replace the city’s older, unpredictable transport with a reliable, scheduled service, with trial runs covering only eight routes for now.
This transformation represents a significant investment in the city’s future as a dynamic and accessible hub.
BAS.MY cost in Kota Kinabalu
The investment to implement the SBST initiative in Kota Kinabalu is substantial, with RM17.6 million per year allocated, totalling RM88 million over the initial five-year contract period.
This funding underscores the government’s commitment to providing a top-tier public transport system.
The BAS.MY public bus service in KK has been rebranded with a distinctive pink livery, leading to the popular moniker “Pink Buses,” a move intended to make the buses easily recognisable and attractive, especially to younger commuters.
In KK, the service is managed by Operator Jaguh Bayu Sdn Bhd.
BAS.MY Kota Kinabalu fleet & facilities
A total fleet of 48 new buses will serve the city. They will be introduced slowly as the ‘pink bus’ routes in Kota Kinabalu grow.
These vehicles are air-conditioned and equipped with modern technology, including GPS tracking for real-time monitoring, CCTV to enhance security, and facilities to accommodate senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD).
KK pink bus routes
BAS.MY will operate on eight fixed routes across Kota Kinabalu, connecting crucial residential and commercial areas. It will operate daily from 5.30AM to 11PM.
These routes are strategically designed to link the city centre, key suburbs like Luyang and Putatan, and the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).
KK Sentral will serve as the main operational hub, with the network covering an estimated 143 bus stops to ensure widespread connectivity throughout the city.
At the time of this article, the routes below are the ones released and would be operated by BAS.MY KK this October.
- S01: KK Sentral – Jalan Ums – Jalan Lintas – KK Sentral
- S02: KK Sentral – Jalan Lintas – Jalan Ums – KK Sentral
- S03: Pekan Manggatal – Jalan Tuaran(Lama) – Jalan Sepanggar – Pekan Manggatal
- S04: Pekan Manggatal – Jalan Sepanggar – Jalan Tuaran(Lama) – Pekan Manggatal
- S05: KK Sentral – Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens – Jalan Penampang – KK Sentral
- S06: KK Sentral – Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens – Jalan Penampang – KK Sentral
- S07: KK Sentral – Jalan Kapayan – Jalan Lintas – KK Sentral
- S08: KK Sentral – Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman – Jalan Kapayan – KK Sentral
BAS.MY KK Public Bus fare
The fare structure of BAS.MY KK is similar to the ones introduced by BAS.MY Kuching, but during October 2025 until January 2026, rides by BAS.MY KK will be free.
After that, users can either opt to buy regular tickets on board, with Malaysian citizens given a choice to purchase the “My50” monthly pass for just RM50, providing them with unlimited rides across all eight routes for a 30-day period.
In a significant move to ensure transportation is accessible to all segments of society, the service offers free travel to certain groups. Students, senior citizens, and PWDs can travel for free via the “MyKonsesi” concession card, which requires only a one-time administrative fee of RM10.
The ‘Pink busses’ are slowly gaining popularity nationwide with the services now popular in cities like Kangar, Perlis; Seremban, Negeri Sembilan; Ipoh, Perak; Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu; Johor Bharu, Johor; Kuantan, Pahang; and Kuching, Sarawak.
New sources: DailyExpress 1, Daily Express2, The Star, Talangtang,
