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Yap responds to criticisms on free school bus programme in Sarawak. Advertisement
By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, June 17: Kota Sentosa assemblyman Wilfred Yap has criticised Democratic Action Party (DAP) chairman Chong Chieng Jen for allegedly misdirecting his criticism of Sarawak’s Free School Bus Programme at the State government, stressing that the Sarawak government is neither the licensing authority nor responsible for issuing permits, conducting roadworthiness inspections, or enforcing commercial vehicle regulations.
In a statement today, Yap said concerns regarding vehicle safety, permits, licensing or regulatory compliance should be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly, but maintained that Chong’s allegations were directed at the wrong party.
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“The Sarawak government’s role in the Free School Bus Programme is clear. It provides funding to ensure that students, particularly those from families facing transportation challenges, have access to safe and reliable transport to and from school,” he said.
He emphasised that licensing, inspections and enforcement functions fall under the jurisdiction of the relevant federal authorities, not the State government.
According to Yap, if Chong’s allegations relate to buses operating without the necessary permits or in breach of regulatory requirements, such concerns should be addressed to the authorities responsible for licensing, inspections and enforcement.
“It is also a matter of public record that the chairman of the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB), the body responsible for commercial vehicle licensing and compliance, is Michael Kong, who serves as Chong’s special assistant,” he said.
Given this, Yap said it would be reasonable for Chong to seek clarification from the relevant regulatory authority before attempting to place responsibility on the Sarawak government.
At the same time, Yap stressed that bus operators engaged under the programme are obligated to comply fully with all applicable laws, permit conditions, licensing requirements and safety regulations.
“As service providers receiving payment from the Sarawak Government, they are entrusted with the responsibility of transporting schoolchildren and are expected to uphold the highest standards of safety, maintenance and regulatory compliance at all times,” he said.
He added that any operator found to have failed to comply with relevant regulations or safety standards should face firm enforcement action in accordance with the law.
“There should be no compromise when it comes to the safety of our children,” he said.
Yap also took issue with what he described as Chong’s suggestion that a vehicle’s age alone determines its safety, saying such a view oversimplifies how transport safety is regulated.
“Roadworthiness is determined through inspections, maintenance standards, compliance requirements and certification by the competent authorities. The critical question is whether a vehicle has been certified fit for service under the applicable regulations, not merely its age,” he said.
He reiterated that any genuine concerns regarding vehicles operating under the programme should be investigated promptly by the relevant regulatory authorities, while operators found in breach of licensing conditions or safety requirements must be held accountable.
Yap further defended the Free School Bus Programme, describing it as a key initiative that helps ease the financial burden on families while ensuring students are not deprived of access to education due to transportation difficulties.
“The programme has benefited many students and parents across Sarawak,” he said.
While welcoming constructive feedback, Yap urged all parties to engage in fact-based discussions and recognise the respective roles and responsibilities of the authorities, operators and funding agencies involved.
“The welfare and safety of our schoolchildren are too important to be politicised. What is required is a fact-based approach that ensures regulatory compliance, holds non-compliant operators accountable, and allows the programme to continue serving students and families effectively across Sarawak,” he added. — DayakDaily
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