Yayasan S’wak mulls giving transport subsidy
MIRI: Yayasan Sarawak is contemplating providing transport subsidy to school students to defray public transport expenses and reduce the financial burden of their parents.
This was disclosed by the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board ( LPKP) state director Razami Mohamad Jamli during a dialogue with the Miri City School Buses Association and several enforcement agencies including Puspakom, Road Transport Department (JPJ) and traffic police at a leading hotel here yesterday.
He, however, did not go into details such as how the subsidy will be given out and in what form, although he mentioned that there will be a discussion between LPKP and Yayasan regarding the proposal soon.
“If the proposal to provide this subsidy is approved by the state government, we will ensure that one of the conditions that must be set to get the subsidy is that schoolchildren only board licensed school buses with permit from LPKP.
“This will also bring good impact on licensed school bus owners as parents will only send their children to them in order for them to get the subsidy,” he shared.
Razami emphasised that at the moment the proposal has yet to be approved.
“Any updated information on this matter will also be notified to related parties including this association in writing.
“We hope this proposal will be implemented successfully,” he added.
On another matter, Razami said LPKP welcomes any application for extending the age limit of school buses beyond 30 years.
“School bus operators through their associations only need to write an official letter to LPKP. Justify why you want the school bus permit to be extended,” he explained.
Razami clarified that school bus operators are allowed to operate during the school holidays and they only need to write application letter with their justification to LPKP.
“An operating permit will be issued by LPKP and handed out to successful applicants. Although this permit only lasts for 14 days, bus operators can continue to apply for as long as they want.
“We do not restrict you from earning money but you are required to apply,” he said.
Touching on issues related to school bus fees, Razami reminded school bus operators to remain firm so as not to lose their source of income.
“I would also like to suggest to the association to use the method of renting a house, which is 2 plus 1 or 3 plus 1, in the payment of bus fares if it sees fit.
“This will help to ensure there is no delay or problem regarding payment and lessen worries among the school bus operators as they have received at least the deposits,” he added.
Miri City School Buses Association chairman Penghulu Samad Alip, deputy chairman Rusnah Abdul Hadi, LPKP Miri branch head Azidah Suni and Puspakom Miri branch head Ashamadi Madeni were among those present at the dialogue.