By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Oct 25: Nine stage bus operators have officially signed contracts with the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak to bolster public transport connectivity across the State.
In a statement today, LPKP Sarawak chairman Michael Kong announced that the operators have entered into contracts under the Dana Bantuan Sementara Pengusaha Bas Berhenti-Henti (DBSPB) programme for 2023-2025.
This initiative is part of LPKP’s ongoing efforts to enhance public transportation, particularly in rural and underserved areas of Sarawak.
“We are pleased to announce that contracts have been signed with eight existing stage bus operators, whose routes have been realigned for improved efficiency. Additionally, we welcome Kapit Bus Express Sdn Bhd, a longstanding operator in Kapit, into the programme” he said.
Kong highlighted that with government financial support of RM5 million per year, these operators will be better equipped to sustain essential services, particularly in less profitable areas.
“Public transport remains a vital service for the people of Sarawak, and achieving sustainability requires a balance between policy interventions and financial backing,” he emphasised.
Kong also expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, which will introduce 56 new buses to Sarawak.
He noted that the combined efforts of the DBSPB funding and the SBST programme demonstrate LPKP’s commitment to developing a robust public transportation system.
“With continued support from the government and industry collaboration, we believe we can significantly improve the quality and reach of public transport across Sarawak,” he added. – DayakDaily
