KOTA KINABALU – All 25 express bus operators in Sabah face the prospect of closing down, following the imposition of the inter-district travel ban on October 3.
President of the Sabah Express Bus Operators and Drivers Association (Seboc), Datuk Donald Hanapi said that the companies that had just gotten on their feet after not operating for three months from March to June this year, risk losing everything.
“We are just waiting for the bank to take away our buses due to outstanding payments. All of us will close business very soon, unless the government starts helping us,” he told The Vibes.
There are 250 express buses operated by 25 companies in Sabah. These buses connect different districts including Kota Kinabalu, Menumbok, Keningau, Semporna, Sandakan, and Tawau, with its main station located in Inanam, here.
It is the cheapest mode of public transportation if one wants to travel from one district to another in Sabah.
Donald said that over 15,000 people are working under bus express companies in Sabah.
He expressed hope the state government would allow them to operate and if they adhere to the standard operating procedures (SOP) set for the companies.
“We understand the state government’s intention and the struggle to curb the spread of Covid-19. However, we are willing to adhere to strict SOPs, as long as we can operate.
“We also plead for assistance from the state government, as we are unable to pay the loans of the buses. About 80% of our buses’ loans are not made directly under bank, but under credit corporations; we were not eligible for the moratorium that was provided from March to September.
“We also have to pay rent for the stations and ticket counters even though we are not operating,” he said.
Donald said the association is ready for discussion with the relevant authority as soon as possible to find a solution to their problems. – The Vibes, October 31, 2020.
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