Panji: The government was urged to expedite the establishment of a public transport drivers' database, particularly those in the express bus industry, to curb the smuggling of undocumented migrants. Konsortium E-Mutiara Berhad executive chairman Che Ibrahim Che Ismail said the call was made as he was concerned that public transport could be used to transport undocumented foreign nationals to specific locations without detection by authorities.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Che Ibrahim emphasized the importance of this database for registering drivers who faced disciplinary action, including suspension or termination, for misconduct such as involvement in human smuggling. He cited an incident from last November when his company identified the involvement of a driver and an assistant driver on the Johor Bahru route who were suspected of receiving payment to transport undocumented foreigners. This discovery was made through a review of the bus closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage.
Che Ibrahim explained that the company took immediate action by summoning and suspending the drivers involved. However, following the report to the authorities, the individuals disappeared. He highlighted the issue that the absence of a centralised database allows drivers with prior records of offences to find employment with other companies.
He urged agencies such as the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) or the Road Transport Department to implement the database promptly so that disciplinary records can be logged and referenced by all operators. This would help companies make informed decisions about hiring, as they would have access to a record for reference.
Media reports have previously indicated that a database of over 60,000 bus and lorry operators, developed by APAD, is expected to be launched in the first quarter of next year. In another development, Che Ibrahim mentioned that nearly 40,000 bus tickets have been sold for the peak Hari Raya Aidilfitri travel period from March 13 to March 20 for all destinations nationwide.
He also noted that the tickets, which went on sale before Ramadan, sold out in less than two weeks, involving nearly 80 buses: 25 economy buses and the remainder being executive buses. Che Ibrahim stated that there is no price hike, but a 10 per cent surcharge for Aidilfitri is being applied as recommended by the government. Additionally, there are considerations to add six extra buses for the period.