By Jacob Achoi
TEBEDU, Sept 1: Express bus services between Pontianak and Kuching and vise-versa have resumed after a lapse of two years due to Covid 19 pandemic.
From Kuching to Pontianak, the service will be provided by Biaramas Bus Express while the service for the return trip will be provided by an Indonesian based bus company, Damri Express.
According to Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shim, who officiated the launch of Tebedu Immigration and Customs Station (ICQS) today, the frequency for the route is five times weekly and there will be a trial period until the end of this month.
“Today we see the reopening of the express bus services between Kuching and Pontianak and vise-versa after a lapse of two years.
“We will see the response and will increase the services from time to time” Lee told reporters.
According to him, five bus permits have been approved by Indonesian’s transport authority to Sarawak-based bus operator, Biaramas Bus Express to operate along Pontianak-Kuching route while the Sarawak government also reciprocated with the approval of the same number of bus permits for Damri Express.
Lee reminded both companies that the rules of not picking up passengers half way must be complied.
“All bus operators are not allowed to pick up passengers at random,” he stressed and warned that enforcement officers have been alerted to perform regular spot checks and carry out active patrol.
For today’s launch, there were 27 passenger from Pontianak using the express bus service to Kuching, while there were 22 passengers traveling from Kuching to Pontianak through the same service.
Present were Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil and Consul General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching His Excellency Raden Sigit Witjaksono. — DayakDaily
