Association supports PLUS sale

PETALING JAYA: The Peninsular Malaysia Malay Express Bus Operators Association (Pembawa) yesterday came out in support of a proposal by Maju Holdings Sdn Bhd to purchase PLUS Holdings and not to increase toll rates over the next 20 years.

PLUS is the concession holder for the North-South Expressway.

“We are are in full support of the proposal as this will certainly benefit our members, especially in terms of their operations.

“With no toll increase, this will have an positive effect of approximately 10% on our members’ operating costs and will also indirectly benefit bus service users,” Pembawa secretary Wan Safri Wan Ali said in a statement yesterday.

“We commend Maju Holdings for offering a proposal that benefits not only other bumiputra entrepreneurs but also the people and road users of Malaysia,” he added.

“Media reports have shown that some parties are now questioning this proposal. Why is a proposal that will have a positive impact on road users receiving negative feedback?”

In addition to maintaining toll rates, the proposal also involves efforts to upgrade the quality of the highway and enhance security, especially the installation of lights along the entire stretch of the highway.

“We strongly welcome this step as with this safety measure, the probability of accidents occurring can also be reduced,” Wan Safri said.

As one of the largest bumiputra highway users’ associations in Malaysia, with a membership of 15 bus operators, Wan Safri said Pembawa is fully aware that the business environment is full of challenges, with operational costs, drivers and quality of service among the key success factors for its members, involving 500 buses operating across the country.