Govt expanding MyBas to PN states in 2024, says Loke

 

Last August, transport minister Loke Siew Fook launched the MyBas concession pass, where the cost is subsidised for commuters. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The MyBas concession pass will be expanded to Perikatan Nasional-led states next year, says transport minister Loke Siew Fook.

MyBas offers free stage bus rides to people with disabilities (OKU), senior citizens, children under six, as well as schoolchildren. It is currently available in Seremban, Ipoh and Johor Bahru, following its introduction in August.

“MyBAS will be expanded to states not controlled by the Madani government.

“It will commence in Alor Setar, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu next year,” Loke said in his winding-up speech in the Dewan Rakyat.

Alor Setar, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu are in Kedah, Terengganu and Kelantan, respectively, all of which are led by PN following the outcome of the state elections in August.

According to Loke, his ministry was managing the tender process for operators who wished to run the service. He added that successful bidders must also provide the public with a monthly pass with a fixed rate of RM50.

In August, Loke launched the MyBas concession pass, utilising the travel cost subsidy implemented under the stage bus service transformation (SBST) programme.

At the time, he said that the service would cover 58 bus routes, with 23 in Seremban, 19 in Johor Bahru, and 16 in Ipoh.

Meanwhile, Loke also announced that 50% of the profits from the sale of the “special plate numbers” through the road transport department (JPJ) e-bid system would be ploughed back into his ministry.

He said the finance ministry had already given the green light for 50% of the profits to be used for ministry initiatives.

“We want to increase the number of people in the B40 group obtaining the free B2 (motorcycle) driving licence.

“We will increase that, with the allocation coming from the proceeds of the sale of special plate numbers, which we will do as soon as possible next year,” Loke said.

Separately, the Seremban MP also said jobs in the maritime industry are being taken by migrant workers because many locals are not interested in spending time away from their families.

“The problem is that many (local) people are not coming forward when the opportunity arises,” he added. - FMT