By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Apr 22: Questions have emerged over the compliance status of 12 free school buses serving Chung Hua Primary School No. 6 Kuching, with claims that the vehicles have yet to obtain the required licence from the Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) despite being in operation since Jan 12.
Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen raised the matter saying the initiative, which he described as supported by the Sarawak government, has been running for about three months but is still short of full regulatory approval.
While reiterating support for free school transport to ease household burdens, he cautioned that safety and legal compliance must not be sidelined in the process.
“School buses are subject to strict LPKP regulations covering vehicle inspections, driver vetting, Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licensing, insurance coverage and adherence to established safety protocols.
“These are not minor administrative issues. The regulatory framework exists to ensure children are transported in safe, properly inspected vehicles driven by qualified drivers,” he said in a statement.
Chong further questioned whether the buses are fully compliant, raising concerns over driver qualifications, vehicle safety inspections and the adequacy of insurance coverage should incidents occur.
He also claimed he was informed that all 12 buses under the initiative have yet to obtain the necessary school bus licence from LPKP since operations began. The MP urged the State government and relevant parties to publicly clarify the licensing status, steps taken to obtain approval, insurance coverage since Jan 12 and whether all drivers hold valid PSV licences.
“Public disclosure of compliance status, safety audits, and regulatory measures would help reassure parents and maintain confidence in the programme,” he said.
Chong added that parents place full trust in the school transport system, warning that even a single lapse in safety compliance could have serious consequences.
While expressing support for the initiative, he said scrutiny is necessary to ensure the programme delivers its intended benefits without compromising child safety.
He also cautioned that State endorsement of the programme should not be interpreted as exemption from regulatory requirements, stressing that school transport laws must be strictly observed regardless of the initiative’s origin. — DayakDaily
