By Amanda L
KUCHING, Oct 19: Sibu is set to join Sarawak’s public transport modernisation drive in the first quarter of 2027, when 13 new electric buses offering zero-fare rides replace the town’s existing stage buses.
Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin announced the plan during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly (DUS) sitting today, saying the buses would serve Sibu town and surrounding areas including Sibu Jaya, Kemuyang, Ulu Sg Merah, Rantau Panjang and Lower and Upper Lanang.
Speaking to reporters after his winding-up speech, Lee said the initiative would follow a similar approach taken in Miri, where older buses had been replaced with new vehicles and ridership had improved.
“We are also applying the same approach for Sibu. So the old buses in Sibu will be replaced with new buses, but Sibu the buses will be electric. Electric, zero-emission buses. Hopefully by the first quarter of next year,” he said.
The introduction of the electric buses is part of Sarawak’s broader efforts to improve public transport services and encourage the use of cleaner transport.
He also highlighted the performance of the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme in Kuching, also known as BAS.MY, a federal government initiative implemented in collaboration with his ministry.
Since its launch in March 2025, BAS.MY has operated 56 new buses across 13 routes, carrying more than 1.29 million passengers as of September 2026.
The service recorded an average monthly ridership of 82,204 passengers in 2026. Commuters can also use the BAS.MY journey planner application to plan their trips. —DayakDaily
