Malacca pays RM7.7m to take over stage bus operations

The companies claim they have been suffering losses due to the increase in the prices of parts and diesel.

MALACCA: The state government will take over the stage bus operations in the state from Feb 1 following the payment of RM7.7 million in compensation to the 10 operators today, Chief Minister Mohd Ali Rustam said.

The payment is for 110 buses totalling RM5.4 million and 118 workers involving a sum of RM1.8 million as well as additional compensation of RM500,000.

“We hope that the move will translate into a better public transport system for the people of Malacca although it has resulted in some losses to the state government,” he told reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Panorama Melaka Cultural and Tourism (PMCT) Sdn Bhd and the 10 operators.

The operators are Syarikat Perusahaan Kenderaan Hj Aziz Bin Alias Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Town Bus Service Bhd, Syarikat Malacca Omnibus Service Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Bas Tai Lye Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Patt Hup Transport Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Bas Tuah Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Batang Bus Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Salira Transport & Tours Sdn Bhd, Syarikat Roda Juara Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Bas Wira Sdn Bhd.

Mohd Ali said issues concerning the payment, which had been delayed previously, had been resolved following the RM8.8 million assistance from the Melaka Foundation, Chief Minister Incorporated, Melaka Historical City Council, state government, Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council and Syarikat Air Melaka Bhd.

He added that the operation would now be handled by PMCT Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Chief Minister Inc, under the name Panorama.

Among the improvements to be carried out are the replacement of all 141 buses, introduction of computerised ticketing and expansion of bus routes from 80 to 141, including to the rural areas.

He said so far, 10 Panorama buses had begun operations while the rest would come on-stream in stages within the next one year.

He said all the buses were leased from SCOMI Special Vehicle Sdn Bhd at a cost of between RM10,000 and RM13,000 each a month.

Meanwhile, Melaka Bus Association chairman Razali Endun said the move was timely.

“The stage bus operations in the state have long been suffering with losses and the situation deteriorated during the last five years due to the increase in the prices of parts and diesel,” he said.

Bernama