KOTA KINABALU – The scheduled bus services in Kota Kinabalu and nearby districts will be managed by a single company under the Stage Bus Transformation Programme (SBST) that will be implemented soon, Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) chairman Datuk Chin Kim Hiung said.
However, he made no mention of the concerns raised by 100 minibus operators who would likely be affected by this change, but admitted challenges will arise once the programme is in place.
Chin also did not name the new company that will be running the scheduled bus service, but expressed hope of finding a “win-win” solution for the minibus operators.
“I wish to stress that the SBST programme will not be implemented drastically but in phases.
“The CVLB, which will lead this programme, will however take proactive and transparent steps to ensure the implementation of the SBST will be beneficial for operators and users.
“I wish to also stress that the CVLB is always open to views from all parties, especially the existing bus operators in finding a solution based on a win-win concept for the benefit of all parties,” he said in a statement.
Chin also refuted claims that operators were only informed of the new public bus system recently, saying that early notice was issued on August 26 last year.
He said the notice was to inform the minibus operators on the rerouting of bus routes and coordination of the service as stipulated under Section 25B of the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Act 1987.
Chin said the early notice also came following the Kota Kinabalu SBST Implementation Meeting held on March 15, 2021.
He also noted one of the outcomes of the meeting was the establishment of the Route Committee chaired by Kota Kinabalu City Hall, the Business Model Committee chaired by the Local Government and Housing Ministry, the Infrastructure Committee chaired by the Public Works Department as well as the Legal Committee, which is also chaired by the Public Works Ministry.
“The creation of the committees was also endorsed by Sabah works minister Datuk Seri Bung Moktar Radin during the recent Sabah assembly sitting on July 20, this year,” he said.
According to Chin, several joint management meetings were also held and attended by officials from the agencies and departments involved, as well as members of the Putatan bus operators’ association and drivers’ associations, to brief them on the concept and need for the SBST system.
“The flooding of the private minibus operators has created several issues and challenges to the existing operators. This includes tough competition for individual licences, unpredictable income, passenger confidence issues and overcrowding, which are forcing many users to shy away from the minibus service,” Chin said.
He added that the federal Transport Ministry via CVLB sees the need to solve the problem in the long term.
On Sunday, more than 100 minibus operators aired grouses over the SBST to Tg Aru assemblyman Datuk Junz Wong, who called Bung Moktar to hold more engagements on the concerns. – The Vibes, August 10, 2022
