KUCHING: Express buses are required to have a Certificate of Completion and Compliance before they are allowed to hit the road for the Gawai Dayak and Hari Raya Aidiladha festive season.
Sarawak Road Transport Department (RTD) director Norizan Jili said the Road Safety Advocacy and Enforcement programme focuses on inspection towards the buses’ safety components such as tyre tread depth, tyre structure, braking systems and steering condition.
“These are the basic components we check. If any deficiencies are found, we will hold the bus and instruct the operator to replace them first. Only after that will we issue the certificate to operate.
“Initial checks are usually carried out by the Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP), while RTD conducts follow-up inspections to ensure compliance.
“As of now, 248 express buses in Sarawak have been issued the certificate. The certificate is valid for either seven or 14 days, depending on the condition of the bus,” he said when met by reporters at Kuching Sentral Bus Terminal last night (May 29).
He said express buses without the certificate may face action, including vehicle detention and seizure.
Meanwhile, Federal Secretary of Sarawak Datuk Ahmad Nadzri Mohd Hassan, who joined the bus inspection, confirmed that 30 bus drivers (at Kuching Sentral) were subjected to urine tests and all tested negative.
“All 30 drivers passed the drug screening, which means they are eligible to operate their buses,” he said.
He added that the programme was held in collaboration with LPKP and the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) to inspect public transport vehicles departing from Kuching Sentral.
“The RTD takes road safety violations seriously, while AADK ensures public transport drivers are drug-free while on duty.
“We take this opportunity to remind all road users — whether public transport drivers or private vehicle owners — to always be cautious and obey traffic rules,” he said.
