Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian School Bus Operators and Drivers Coalition has urged the government to mandate association membership as a requirement for operator license applications to safeguard the safety of students who rely on over 7,000 school bus operators who are not registered with any bus drivers’ association.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the coalition’s president, Dr. M Muruga, expressed concerns about the current registration process for school bus operators. He highlighted that individuals only need to register with the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) via the Commercial Vehicle Licensing System (iSPKP). Muruga believes this method should be reviewed, as it does not consider an applicant’s experience or driving record. He emphasized that this oversight poses a significant risk to road safety, particularly for students, as associations play a critical role in educating operators about safety issues.
Dr. Muruga explained that the coalition is not just a registered association but also offers free safety briefings and maintenance workshops in collaboration with the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and Puspakom. However, he lamented the low turnout for meetings, despite extending invitations to hundreds of operators. He noted that many operators are reluctant to register, even though the annual membership fee is only RM40.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Malaysia had nearly 18,000 school bus operators, but following the enforcement of a ban on buses older than 30 years, the number has dropped to around 12,000. Of these, only 60 per cent are registered with their respective associations. Dr. Muruga pointed out that unofficial statistics indicate that over 85 per cent of current operators are senior citizens and single mothers, particularly in states like Sabah and Sarawak. Despite being 70 years old, Muruga still drives a school bus with his wife to a plantation school, demonstrating his dedication to the profession.
Dr. Muruga also referenced a recent incident involving a school van carrying 22 students on the North-South Expressway near the Bandar Dato Onn northbound exit. He noted that these vans are typically designed to carry a maximum of 18 primary school children or 12 adults. The van in question exceeded its permitted capacity, which he described as a serious offence. He expressed relief that no fatal accident occurred but questioned accountability if a tragedy had taken place.