SHAH ALAM: Transport minister Loke Siew Fook today hit back at a bus operators’ association for blaming the ministry over the widespread illegal leasing of express and tour bus permits.
He said the association should have reported the issue or disclosed to the authorities the list of operators involved in license leasing.
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“We need evidence. The association should have helped us by giving us or publicising the list of companies (involved in such leasing),” he told reporters after attending the launch of the speed limiter device initiative for commercial vehicles today.
His comments come after the Malaysian Bumiputera Bus Operators’ Association (PPBBM) claimed that permit leasing had been ongoing for years, but only came under the spotlight after the accident that killed 15 students from Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris.
PPBBM reportedly said that permit leasing could cost as little as RM500 a month.
Lokes said it was unfair to point fingers at his ministry, given that permit leasing was a private arrangement between permit holders and third parties.
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“I have no problem being the ‘bad guy’ – just give me the list and I’ll suspend them immediately,” he said.
On a separate matter, Loke said the transport ministry was considering a complete overhaul of the Kejara demerit system, calling it a “failure”.
“A major overhaul is needed because merit marks are only deducted after summonses are paid. The problem is that many people do not pay their summonses,” he said.
On the mandatory installation of dashboard cameras, Loke said the government must engage with industry players to ensure a balanced policy approach.
“We also need to consider, for example, bus fares to ensure that operators are able to meet all of the requirements.
“Everything will be discussed. Any additional steps, conditions or methods of implementation will need to be introduced in stages,” he said.
