Association campaigns against unlicensed school bus operators

MIRI: The city’s school bus operators’ association is determined to maintain its campaign against those who provide illegal transportation service for students.

Miri City School Buses Association deputy chair Rusnah Abdul Hadi said they had no other choice but to continue going after the illegal service providers, whose growing numbers have driven legal operators to close shop.

“The association actually has about 100 members, but the increasing number of illegal operators of student transport services has really affected our business.

“Now, almost half of our members have been forced to cease their business,” she told The Borneo Post yesterday, when contacted on the association’s latest campaign to encourage parents to use licensed school bus services for their children.

According to her, the association has been highlighting the issue for some time now, but the relevant authority has not taken any concrete action against these unlicensed operators.

“Not only do we have licence to operate a public transportation service, our passengers are also insured. The illegal operators have none of these.

“This is why our latest campaign seeks to create better awareness among the public, particularly parents, on the importance for them to use legal school bus services for the sake of their children’s safety,” she said.

In view of that, Rusnah urged association members to give their full backing to the campaign to ensure their message reaches as many people as possible.

According to her, the association has thus far held briefing sessions on the safety of using licensed school bus services at three schools – SK Tudan Miri, SMK Merbau and SK Merbau Miri.

She thanked the respective school management for giving the association the opportunity to brief parents on their campaign.

“Based on the feedback from the parents, it’s too early to determine if they will heed our call. That is why we need to continue carrying out the campaign to educate parents on the issue as it involves the safety of their children.”

The association actually has about 100 members, but the increasing number of illegal operators of student transport services has really affected our business. Rusnah Abdul Hadi, Miri City School Buses Association deputy chairman

Penguang (front, third left) witnesses the presentation of a certificate of appreciation by Siew (front, fourth left) to an outgoing member of the PTA. Marliney is at left.