By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, March 18: Bus express fares in Sarawak will remain unchanged for the upcoming Hari Raya season, says Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) chairman Michael Kong Feng Nian.
Kong, in a statement today, said Sarawak CVLB has decided not to follow the 10 per cent fare hike implemented in Peninsula Malaysia.
“As part of our commitment to providing accessible transport options, Sarawak CVLB has decided against implementing a bus express fare hike during the upcoming Hari Raya season,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kong said that Sarawak CVLB’s primary objective of installing global positioning systems (GPS) on express buses in Sarawak is to monitor and ensure compliance with approved routes.
He also said the initiative aims to provide consistent and reliable bus services, particularly benefiting rural communities by ensuring they have regular access to transportation.
On another note, Kong said during a recent meeting with the Sarawak Bus Transport Companies Association (SBTCA), they discussed the implementation of Dana Bantuan Sementara Pengusaha Bas Berhenti-Henti (DBSPB).
According to him, established to encourage bus usage as a viable mode of transportation, DBSPB serves as a temporary solution to assist stop-and-go bus operators facing increased operating costs, especially on less profitable routes.
He explained that through the DBSPB initiative, bus passengers will enjoy affordable fares, with rides priced at only RM1.
However, he added, despite the affordability, it is evident that many individuals still opt for private transport due to issues such as irregular schedules and frequent breakdowns of existing buses. — DayakDaily
