Convenience over cost: foreign PJ City Bus users content with 90 sen fare

PETALING JAYA – The recent 90 sen charge on foreigners riding the Petaling Jaya city bus has sparked ire due to its alleged discrimination for a supposedly free service.

However, the foreign community may be more forgiving of the circumstances behind the move.

The Vibes spoke to foreigners who work around the city, all of whom expressed their contentment with paying the recently imposed charges to use the service.

One such user, Kasmayapee, said that the price is reasonable and has no problem paying RM1.80 daily for her two-way trips on the bus.

“Paying the 90 sen is okay because I still need to ride the bus in the end,” she told The Vibes.

The service remains the best option, over other modes of transportation like the train,” the cafe worker added.

Kasmayapee also commented that the app used to scan entry into the bus is straightforward, but might be daunting for those unaware of the new procedure.

Her concerns were manifested as a first-time bus rider since the implementation, Sahadat Hassan, lamented that the app was not user-friendly and had a complicated registration process.

“I am willing to pay the charge, despite having to fork out more money,” he said.

But using the app is difficult. I am unable to register an account, despite filling up my details correctly,” he added.

Similarly, a friend of Sahadat was also facing the same issue, as he showed his device screen which displayed the failure to process his registration.

Meanwhile, a bus user named Kisti said that as a foreigner, she accepted the circumstances and did not feel discriminated against.

“I understand the situation as I am a foreigner. I have no problem with paying the fare,” she explained.

“There’s no feeling of discrimination, I understand the reasoning behind this. In the end, the bus is still convenient for me,” she added.

Kisti quipped that she has more costly expenses to worry about, including her work permit which also takes a long time to process.

Mai, another commuter, said that the bus remained a good option for her as her employer paid her bus fares, allowing her to easily travel around the city. 

“I’m fortunate as my boss pays for my fares, and it is such an easy mode of transportation,” she briefly remarked.

A cleaning service worker who wished to remain anonymous opined that the fare will not dent her pockets, as she earns a salary.

She also said that the council’s decision is not unexpected, as foreigners could not influence votes.

“I am a working adult, so paying for this is not worrisome. I have enjoyed this service for decades already,” she said.

It is understandable why the council would implement this, as we are not voters and could not sway votes in favour of anyone,” she added.

Petaling Jaya City Council announced on December 30 that users of the free PJ city bus must scan a QR code prior to riding, while those who are not Malaysian citizens are also required to pay a charge of 90 sen per ride, effective January 15. 

The implementation was met with criticism, where an advocacy group cited that “xenophobia must not be a part of any government policy”. – The Vibes, January 21, 2023