Bus operators mull post-MCO future, hope for support from gov't

CORONAVIRUS | Express bus operators are mulling the new realities that they must cope with when the movement control order (MCO) is lifted and expressed hope to receive support from the government.

The Malay Peninsular Malaysia Express Bus Operators Association (Pembawa) said some measures against the spread of Covid-19 may be needed, such as the social distancing and constant disinfecting, which may lead to an increase in ticket prices.

To this end, its president Tajudin Mohd Yunos suggested that the government facilitate the process by, for example, providing contractors to disinfect the buses.

"If sanitisation of the buses is required, we ask that the government to appoint a contractor that can provide a reasonable price to the bus operators," he said.

Pembawa represents 18 bus operators controlling a fleet of 747 express buses and 1,100 registered bus drivers.

Tajuddin (photo) said he hoped the government can come up with a "fair and reasonable" standard operating procedure in the new environment.

He also suggested that the government provide some relief measures to express bus operators after the MCO.

"Even though the government has introduced a workers subsidy programme, the operators still need to think about breaking even and other costs when they resume operations.

"We ask the government to provide diesel subsidies and toll exemptions for six months after the MCO ends," he said.

Under the MCO which began on March 18, interstate travel is banned except for special reasons approved by the police.

This means interstate bus operators are not able to operate and generate revenue.

All non-essential businesses and services were ordered closed and people cannot leave their homes except for approved reasons, such as buying groceries within a 10km radius.

The partial lockdown since March 19, aimed at curbing the spread of Covid-19, has brought a large part of the country's economy to a standstill.

The government had introduced measures to prevent mass retrenchment by providing wage subsidies of between RM600 to RM1,200 if companies kept their workers.

As of noon today, Malaysia recorded 5,389 Covid-19 cases with 89 deaths.

Of those infected, 3,197 have recovered while another 2,103 are in treatment.

The MCO is scheduled to end on April 28 if it is not extended for the third time. - Mkini