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The Transport Ministry’s move to fund the training of 300 new bus drivers in Sarawak will be a game changer for the public transport sector.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke recently said his ministry would provide training for candidates to obtain the E class and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences, with the Federal Government covering the costs amounting to between RM3,000 and RM5,000 per person.
Sarawak Bus Transport Company Association adviser Lau Khing Seng welcomed the move and wanted it to be implemented soon.
“We seriously lack bus drivers in Sarawak and need another 200 to 300 drivers.
“There are people who want to drive buses but can’t afford fees required for the necessary licences, which can go up to RM6,000 per person,” he said.
Lau, who has been in the industry for more than 40 years, said bus companies in the state had to ground their buses because of a shortage of drivers.
Lau says Sarawak needs up to 300 drivers.
“We have buses but not enough drivers. So the buses have to be grounded.
“With a good road network following the near completion of the Pan Borneo Highway, more people would prefer to travel by road,” he said.
Lau said during festive seasons such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Gawai, the demand for bus services would be very high.
Lau said to obtain a bus driving licence, one would first have to acquire a D or E class competent driving licence (CDL) that costs between RM2,000 and RM3,000, before proceeding to get a PSV licence at a similar cost.
Separately, he hoped the Federal Government would look into the matter of insurance coverage for buses.
“Currently, there is only one insurance company which we can renew our insurance policy with.
“There should be more so that we can compare insurance premiums and get them at a competitive rate,” he said.
Lau also called for the revision of bus fares.
“The cost of operating buses is getting higher, but we are still charging the same fare that has not been revised for the past 15 years,” he said.
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