Kangar: The Transport Ministry will soon introduce a new service, BAS.MY Medik, under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme to provide accessible transport for passengers with limited mobility. Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that BAS.MY operators will be required to provide at least one dedicated van to serve passengers using wheelchairs or those traveling to clinics or dialysis centers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the BAS.MY Medik service will be offered at an affordable fare. This initiative was revealed during the launch of the SBST BAS.MY Kangar service, attended by Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli. Loke emphasized that transportation remains a challenge for many patients, especially those requiring frequent medical treatment.

For example, dialysis patients typically need to travel three times a week. The cost of taking a taxi to and from the center can range from RM20 to RM30 per trip, posing a significant burden. With BAS.MY Medik, the service will provide direct home-to-treatment center transport at a much lower fare, expected to be introduced by bus operators soon.

The Federal government has allocated RM39.7 million over five years to support the ongoing operation of BAS.MY Kangar, aiming to enhance public transport access and improve residents’ well-being. Currently, the BAS.MY service in Kangar operates nine routes, including a cross-border link to Alor Setar, Kedah, which Loke suggested should be fully utilized by the public.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, SBST Kangar recorded a monthly ridership of around 30,000 passengers from 2016 to 2019. However, the first half of 2025 saw the monthly average drop to just 12,071 passengers. Loke believes there is significant room for growth and challenged BAS.MY Kangar operators to restore pre-pandemic ridership levels by enhancing promotional efforts and engaging all community segments in Kangar and across Perlis.