Malaysia’s Senibudaya authorised to run cross-border bus, ticketing services in Singapore: LTA, STB
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The bus, which bore the logo of Super Nice but was operated by Express Senibudaya, crashed on the North-South Expressway at around 3am on Oct 11.
PHOTO: BANGI FIRE AND RESCUE STATION
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SINGAPORE – The Malaysian company operating the bus that was involved in a fatal accident on Malaysia’s North-South Expressway earlier in October has valid licences to operate cross-border bus and ticketing services in Singapore, said the Republic’s authorities.
The comment comes after questions were raised by a former business partner about the legality of Express Senibudaya’s operations.
In a joint statement on Oct 21, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said they are aware of the accident on Oct 11, and confirmed that Express Senibudaya holds a valid licence from LTA to operate the cross-border service.
Senibudaya is also authorised to run ticketing operations through its ticketing agent, Leo City Coach, said a spokesperson for LTA and STB. Leo City Coach holds a valid travel agent licence from STB to operate in Singapore and provide ticketing services.
“Bus operators have the discretion to appoint or change their ticketing agents through commercial agreements,” added the spokesperson.
“We understand that there were commercial discussions between Super Nice Express and Express Senibudaya regarding ticketing management. These are commercial matters outside our regulatory remit.”
Although the bus that crashed bears the branding and logo of transport company Super Nice Express, it was operated by Express Senibudaya.
On Oct 11, the bus – which was heading to Ipoh after leaving Boon Lay in Singapore – crashed into a signpost on the expressway near Bangi, Selangor, at around 3am.
The accident killed one person and injured 28 others, including five Singaporeans and the driver.
Super Nice’s claims
Super Nice Express managing director Lee Cheng Seong said on Oct 13 that the bus trip had been entirely operated by Senibudaya, a former business partner.
He added that the Singapore authorities should look into the legality of Senibudaya’s ticketing and operational activities.
Mr Lee said Super Nice and Senibudaya ceased collaboration on Sept 9 over commercial disputes, and alleged that the latter had used Super Nice’s name without authorisation or consent.
Both are Malaysian companies headquartered in Penang, but Super Nice also has a private limited company registered in Singapore.
Responding to media queries on Oct 15, Senibudaya corroborated Super Nice’s account that the two companies had stopped working together since September, but disputed claims of misuse of the Super Nice branding.
“Some of our buses still carry the Super Nice livery as a legacy from the previous joint operation. This does not constitute misuse. Both Super Nice Express and Express Senibudaya are locally registered and have operated under the same corporate heritage,” said a spokesperson for Senibudaya.
“Express Senibudaya has operated under the Super Nice brand since the 1990s, and the name has been used in the market over the years, and continues to be used to maintain brand consistency and passenger recognition.”
Adding that it also has valid permits issued by the Malaysian authorities, the Senibudaya spokesperson said: “There is no infringement issue within Malaysia, as the Super Nice trademark is registered locally under Super Nice Express, which remains part of the same Malaysian corporate lineage.
“Our focus at this stage is on assisting affected passengers and cooperating with the authorities, rather than pursuing any branding dispute.”
Purchase insurance, check travel agent
Malaysia’s Transport Minister Anthony Loke has said that the bus operator involved will be held accountable, with its permit potentially revoked or suspended depending on his ministry’s findings.
The spokesperson for LTA and STB advised consumers to purchase travel insurance for their bus trips and to be familiar with the terms and conditions of their bookings.
This helps protect them against unforeseen circumstances such as insolvency of the travel agent, trip cancellations and accidents.
In the event of an accident, consumers can contact their insurers for advice, or seek assistance from the Consumers Association of Singapore or Small Claims Tribunals.
Consumers should also purchase travel products from licensed travel agents listed on STB’s Trust website
