Transport minister Loke Siew Fook said he has held talks with bus associations to identify and overcome the issues concerning the shortage.

“It is true that the express bus industry is facing a shortage of drivers as many buses sat idle during the Covid-19 pandemic, so (the drivers) then went to work in the e-hailing industry.

“Secondly, many drivers went to work for bus companies in Singapore as the salaries are higher,” he told reporters at Volvo Malaysia’s office here today.

Loke said he has asked bus associations to provide more details and figures so the government can intervene and conduct a job fair to attract more drivers.

“I’ve asked the associations to help identify how many drivers they need and which state has fewer drivers, so we can do a job fair in small towns like Jelebu, Tampin and Kuala Pilah,” he said.

He said not all bus operators were based in Kuala Lumpur, with some based in other states since the drivers came from there.

He said the shortage of express bus drivers had resulted in more private cars on the road during peak seasons like Hari Raya and Chinese New Year.

On the bus industry in Sabah and Sarawak, Loke suggested that bus manufacturers introduce their products to the local operators there so they can upgrade their fleets.

“The people in Sabah and Sarawak often comment about better bus services in the peninsula, but I want to stress that private companies operate them. It is not run by the government.

“I suggest that manufacturers market their products to operators in Sabah and Sarawak as they tend to focus their market in the peninsula,” he said.

He said bus operators in East Malaysia can seek help from government agencies for funds and technical advice.

Earlier, Loke officiated the new Sani Express double-decker bus at the Volvo office.