BY LEONG Z-KEEN
KUCHING: Express bus operators should take the necessary precautions in ensuring safe travels when transporting passengers back to their hometowns.
Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB Sarawak) chairman, Michael Kong said public transport is on high demand during the Gawai celebration.
“During festive seasons, public transport becomes a lifeline for many returning to their hometowns, especially in rural areas within Sarawak as demands for express buses and rental cars are particularly high during these times.
“Some officers from the Sarawak Road Transport Department (RTD) accompanied me to visit Kuching Sentral to oversee the operations of this bus terminal during the festive season to observe measures implemented by authorities there.
“Everyone must play a part in being vigilant and taking necessary precautions to ensure safe travels,” he said in a statement following his visit to Kuching Sentral Complex and Bus Terminal on Wednesday (May 29).
Additionally, Kong said RTD will conduct spontaneous and random spot checks to enforce compliance with traffic regulations by sending undercover officers on public transport.
He also said that the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) will conduct checks on drivers while RTD will inspect vehicles to avoid the flouting of road regulations.
“CVLB Sarawak welcomes such initiatives as they ensure the safe operation of all 355 bus operators in Sarawak and safeguard the safety of all passengers.
“Additionally, I have informed them that should bus operators require additional licences to operate more buses during this festive season, CVLB Sarawak will expedite all applications to meet the increased demand.
“CVLB Sarawak will continue to monitor all bus operators to ensure compliance with existing regulations, especially those related to safety,” said Kong.
On another note, he requested the management of Kuching Sentral to address the issue of faulty air conditioning for the comfort of passengers while they are waiting for their buses.
