The quiet town of Papar, Sabah, is now home to a fascinating piece of railway history—the Fowler 20 locomotive. Built by John Fowler & Co. Ltd. of Leeds, England, this diesel shunter once played a crucial role in Sabah’s railway operations. After spending decades out of service, it was relocated for display in Papar, where it has stood since 26 September 2023, offering a glimpse into the past of the Sabah State Railway.
This locomotive’s story begins in 1951, when it arrived in North Borneo to work at Tanjung Aru station. Unlike the powerful locomotives that pulled passenger trains across long distances, the Fowler 20 had a different job—shunting. It moved railcars within the yard, ensuring smooth operations and keeping the railway running efficiently. Though not the most glamorous role, it was essential, and for twenty years, this diesel workhorse kept things moving behind the scenes.
By 1971, its time as a shunter came to an end, and the locomotive was retired. It remained in Tanjung Aru for decades, a quiet reminder of a time when diesel was beginning to replace steam on Sabah’s railways. But rather than being forgotten, it was eventually given a new lease on life—not on the tracks, but as a piece of history. Today it offers railway enthusiasts and curious visitors a chance to see a part of Sabah’s railway heritage up close.
John Fowler & Co. was well known for producing sturdy, reliable locomotives, and the Fowler 20 is no exception. Though it no longer moves railcars, its presence in Papar keeps a part of Sabah’s railway history alive. It’s a tribute to the people who worked on the railways, the changing technology of the time, and the importance of preserving the past.
For those passing through Papar, the Fowler 20 is worth a visit. It may no longer be an active part of Sabah’s railway, but it remains a symbol of a bygone era, standing as a quiet but powerful reminder of the region’s transportation history.