We’re not responsible for undeclared, unchecked baggage, says bus operator

Starmart Express Sdn Bhd said it is impossible for its drivers to keep track of the many pieces of luggage brought by passengers. (Facebook pic)

PETALING JAYA: 

An intercity bus service operator says it can only be held responsible for any lost luggage if it has been declared by the passenger and checked by the bus driver or the company before boarding the bus.

However, Starmart Express Sdn Bhd said this was not the case when a visually impaired man lost his luggage as reported last week.

Its managing director, T Sivasubramani, said it would be unfair to hold the operator responsible for something which it was not aware of as the passenger had not declared the luggage or its contents.

“It is pertinent to highlight that tickets are sold on the terms and conditions set by the operator, and agreed upon by passengers to abide by them,” he said in a statement to FMT.

“It is impossible for the drivers to know how many pieces of luggage were brought in, let alone their contents.

“It’s not like an airline, where luggage is made to undergo security vetting before being checked in and numbered.

“This is why we have specifically stipulated (on tickets) that the company will not be held responsible for ensuring the security of our passengers’ luggage.”

Sivasubramani also suggested that passengers keep any valuables in a smaller bag which they can carry on board the bus with them.

He said this is because passengers are not allowed to bring their regular luggage inside the bus due to the space constraint. - FMT