Malaysian Bumiputera Bus Operators’ Association chairman Che Ibrahim Che Ismail said bus operators were still unable to provide vehicles fit enough to start operations today.

“A lot of maintenance work needs to be done before we can resume operations again. Among the costs that will be faced by the operators are for maintenance, bus air conditioning system, batteries that are damaged and need to be replaced, as well as vehicle insurance.

“We need between RM10,000 to RM15,000 to service each bus before it is deemed fit to travel,” he said. “As long as we do not have the vehicles ready, we may not be able to operate even though interstate travel has been allowed.”

He said the bus operators could only resume business with 20% to 30% of their vehicle capacity because of the lack of capital.

Most of the operators are from Peninsular Malaysia, concentrated in major states such as Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Johor, and Kelantan.

The association also hopes the 2022 budget will provide help in terms of grants or loans (start-up operating capital) so that operators could ensure that vehicles can be made available to boost tourism.

He said the transport ministry and tourism ministry should encourage people to use public transport as many people seemed to be more comfortable using their own vehicles.

“The two ministries should give emphasis and create awareness about the safety and advantages of using public transport for travel,” he said.