Wee: Ministry will listen to views of public transport operators
The Transport Ministry has pledged to take into account the views of public transport operators, says Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.
He said this following a meeting with a delegation from the Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association (PMBOA) yesterday to discuss outstanding issues with the ministry.
“I’m thankful to receive their long-time president Datuk Ashfar Ali along with the leaders of the component associations from all over Malaysia at my office,” Dr Wee said on his Facebook page.
“The ministry is ever willing to listen to the public transport operators’ views and to cooperate with them wherever possible.”
At the same time, Dr Wee said the movement control order (MCO) enforced since March 18 had been tough on PMBOA members.
He added that the government would try its best to address their concerns during the recovery MCO period.
Dr Wee said in order to assist PMBOA members during the MCO period, the Transport Ministry, through the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), had already completed all payments to its members up to February through the Interim Stage Bus Support Fund.
“We are also currently processing subsequent applications for the fund,” he added.
According to Dr Wee, among the issues raised by PMBOA during the meeting were the application of financial aid for bus operators during the MCO period and post-Covid-19, as well as having reasonable fares.
He said PMBOA also raised the issue of reviewing the statutory lifespan of buses in line with the safety guidelines recommended by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research, Apad, Road Transport Department, the computerised vehicle inspection centre Puspakom as well as other relevant bodies.
“We should re-examine the lifespan of buses in light of new technologies and proper maintenance practices, balanced with the safety and health requirements of passengers and drivers,” Dr Wee said.