By Marlynda Meraw
“We (Sarawak government) want to improve the public transport, as you know, (Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee) Kim Shin has mentioned changing the old buses to new buses. Once you’ve got free mobility, tourists also get (it for) free too. That means you can attract tourists over, and that is my ‘angpow’—free buses.” Abang Johari (February 12, 2024)
TRAVEL, whether a necessity or a choice, comes at a cost. For many, the decision to drive is an unavoidable part of daily life. However, ownership of a vehicle does little to shield individuals from the financial burden of movement. Fuel, maintenance, and parking fees steadily erode household budgets. Public transport fares, too, can be a significant drain on finances, particularly for daily commuters, as ticket prices fluctuate in response to rising operating costs. The financial strain becomes especially pronounced with long-distance travel, transforming what might seem like a minor expense into a substantial economic burden.
Acknowledging this reality, and with a commitment to easing the financial burden on Sarawakians, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg launched the RM1 Flat Rate Bus Fare Subsidy Programme on May 4, 2020. The initiative aimed to support local citizens, particularly those in the B40 and M40 income groups, who were severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. It also sought to revitalise the State’s ailing bus services, encouraging a shift from private vehicle use to public transportation, thus helping reduce traffic congestion within major cities and towns while improving the State’s bus network.
When A Ringgit Goes Further
The programme initially covered 12 bus companies operating 23 routes in Kuching, Sibu, and Miri. The fare was set at a flat RM1, regardless of distance, making public transport more affordable and accessible. The initiative proved successful, and by 2022, the network expanded to 56 routes covering Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu, Sarikei, Bintulu, and Miri.
In its first year, the scheme’s financial outlay was modest, with RM5.23 million subsidised in 2020 due to the movement control order (MCO). In 2021, this figure rose to RM12.12 million as restrictions eased. By 2022, the amount had increased further to RM21.23 million, particularly after the MCO was lifted in May of that year. Later in 2023, a total of RM20.6 million was spent as of September to support the continuation of the programme.
Turning Subsidies Into Systemic Change
On May 12, 2022, the programme was extended to Bintulu, further reactivating the town’s stage bus services through the cooperation of elected representatives and bus companies. By May 24, 2022, overall ridership had reached 4.5 million passenger journeys, demonstrating the programme’s rapid adoption. On December 26, 2023, the Ministry of Transport Sarawak (MOTS) announced an extension of the subsidy until 2025. Along with this, the programme underwent a review, limiting the subsidy to routes no longer than 40 kilometres. While this was a shift in the operational model, the RM1 fare remained intact.
This programme continued to draw praise for its ability to make transport accessible to all. By the end of September 2023, the Sarawak government had spent RM59.3 million to sustain the programme, enabling over 10.5 million passenger journeys across major urban centres. Ridership had surged by 75 per cent from 2021 to 2023, with monthly ridership climbing from 209,055 in 2021 to 364,725 in 2023. From an average of approximately 200,000 riders per month in 2020, ridership surged to nearly 360,000 per month in 2023, reflecting the public’s strong embrace of buses for daily commuting. This substantial increase reflects a growing public confidence in Sarawak’s public transport system and the proven reliability and affordability of the RM1 fare.
The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive. With over one million passengers in Kuching alone by October 2023, the programme has successfully fostered a shift toward public transport usage. Sarawak Minister of Transport Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, highlighted that ridership had increased by 57 per cent since the programme’s launch, with the total number of buses operating rising to 131 by May 2024. The government had also committed to improving the frequency and punctuality of buses, aiming to make public transport a viable choice for daily commuting. Lee also suggested dedicated bus lanes sometime in the future, similar to those used for the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) system.
Public Transport as a Right, Not Privilege
The RM1 Flat Rate Bus Fare Subsidy Programme has redefined public transport in Sarawak. It has not only provided an affordable alternative to private vehicles but has also fostered inclusivity, ensuring that mobility is not a privilege of the few but a right for all. The ability to travel for just RM1 has removed the financial barriers that once limited opportunities for work, education, healthcare, and leisure. What began as an initiative to alleviate the strain on low-income families has become a cornerstone of daily life. The programme has empowered Sarawakians, from the elderly needing access to healthcare to students and workers commuting daily. With nearly 11 million passengers having used the service, the programme’s impact is clear—it has eased financial pressures, enhanced access to essential services, and transformed the way people move within the State.
This initiative is more than a subsidy; it is a demonstration of proactive governance, one that not only addresses immediate challenges but anticipates future needs. Abang Johari’s vision has reshaped how Sarawakians approach mobility, turning what was once a burden into a simple, accessible service for all. The RM1 flat rate bus fare is not just about transport; it is about connection—the ability to move freely within one’s community, without the fear of financial hardship. It is a vision for the future, where mobility is not dictated by income, but by the aspirations of the people it serves.
The content featured here is an excerpt from the book “Rise of Sarawak: Abang Johari’s Era of Transformation”, published by Sage Salute Sdn Bhd. All information contained herein is accurate as of the first quarter of 2025.
