Its deputy minister, Ismail Abdul Muttalib, said it was a good idea and the ministry would study this.
“We welcome the proposal of the bus companies and will discuss it at our next meeting with Human Resources Minister Richard Riot Jaem,” he told FMT.
Ismail was commenting on the call by the Pan-Malaysian Bus Operators Association for the ministry and the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to provide the free courses for bus drivers.
PMBOA had said there was a yearly shortage of 3,000 drivers in the transport industry.
SPAD has also hailed PMBOA’s “positive suggestion” to attract more drivers to the industry.
“We welcome any supportive move that can improve the industry and we will be glad to work with whichever ministry that comes forward,” said a spokesperson.
SPAD said the shortage of drivers was a problem affecting the entire transport industry.
“The bus company owners are also entrepreneurs running their own businesses. They should play a part in helping to overcome the shortage of drivers.”
PMBOA president Ashfar Ali reportedly said the shortage of drivers was due to the high “entry cost” into the industry.
“It can cost about RM5,000 to learn to become a bus or lorry driver, including obtaining the various licences and other fees.,”
Large commercial and public transport vehicle drivers are required to have the E-class licence.