Melaka: A total of 17 express buses have been barred from the road for various technical violations during the Chinese New Year operational audits at terminals in Melaka since January 20. State Public Works, Infrastructure, Public Utilities and Transport Committee chairman Datuk Hameed Mytheen Kunju Basheer announced that the buses are from nine different companies.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, all the express buses are prohibited from operating until their respective companies rectify all detected faults and meet the standards set by the Road Transport Department (JPJ). The identified issues include problems with brake pressure, tyres, lights, and rear mirrors that fail to meet the required standards. Hameed conveyed this information to reporters during an operation at Melaka Sentral last night. In attendance were State Public Works, Infrastructure, Public Utilities and Transport Committee deputy chairman Zahari Abd Khalil and Melaka JPJ director Muhammad Firdaus Shariff.

Hameed further mentioned that an estimated 2,000 express buses are expected to enter and exit the Melaka Sentral terminal, carrying about 80,000 passengers during the operation period for the 2025 Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration, which spans from January 20 to February 9. To ensure safety and compliance, the Melaka JPJ will conduct inspections of express buses at five bus depots in the state.

‘These inspections will not only cover technical aspects but also include checks on the logbooks of every express bus. Additionally, we will ensure that bus operators settle any outstanding JPJ or police summons to facilitate smooth journeys and ensure the safety of all parties involved,’ Hameed added.