At least two people died when a train plunged down a ravine and into a fast-flowing river in Sabah today, police said.

Most of the 43 people on board scrambled to safety although police were still searching for possible survivors. The train was hit by a landslip after days of heavy rains.

"It was lucky that most of the 43 passengers onboard were able to escape with only two people dead so far," local police chief Mazlan Lazim told AFP.

"We are still searching the area for more survivors," he said.

The train was travelling from the southern town of Tenom to the state capital Kota Kinabalu and ploughed into the Padas river, famous for its whitewater rafting, when it was struck by the landslide near a bridge.

Mazlan said investigations were continuing as teams continue to scour the area for survivors. The river has been swollen by days of downpours on Borneo island, officials said.

(AFP)