S’pore tour buses cannot operate as express services in Malaysia: Transport Minister Anthony Loke
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Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Singapore had requested that Malaysia allow its express buses in return for Malaysian buses operating there.
PHOTO: ST FILE
KUALA LUMPUR – Tour buses from Singapore are allowed to enter Malaysia but cannot operate as express buses, said Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said the arrangement is reciprocal, as Malaysian tour buses can operate in Singapore and Singaporean tour buses can carry tourists in Malaysia.
“Tour buses bring visitors into the country, which benefits Malaysia, and we do not ban them,” he said.
“But if a tour bus operates as an express bus selling tickets for scheduled routes, that is not allowed and action will be taken,” he said in Parliament on Dec 2.
Mr Loke said Singapore requested that Malaysia allow its express buses in return for Malaysian buses operating there.
“However, Singapore does not have a legal category for express buses. Their system only recognises tour buses and scheduled buses,” said Mr Loke.
“That is why our position remains firm, and we will not allow express bus services from Singapore,” he added.
He responded to a supplementary question from opposition Member of Parliament Ahmad Marzuk Shaary on inspections and safety compliance of buses.
Mr Ahmad Marzuk raised concerns that some Singaporean tour buses have operated in Malaysia for years without inspections from vehicles services firm Puspakom or adhering to local safety standards.
“These operators have taken advantage of the system,” Mr Loke said. “We will not consider permits for Singaporean express buses as it would disadvantage local operators.” THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
