KUCHING: Concerns over the safety and regulatory compliance of buses operating under Sarawak’s Free School Bus Programme should be directed at the relevant enforcement and licensing authorities rather than the state government, said Kota Sentosa assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Sau Sin.
Responding to criticism by the Democratic Action Party (DAP) Sarawak’s Chairman, Chong Chieng Jen, Yap stressed that the Sarawak Government’s role in the programme is limited to providing funding to ensure students have access to transportation to and from school.
“Issues involving permits, licensing, roadworthiness inspections, and regulatory compliance fall under the jurisdiction of federal authorities responsible for overseeing commercial vehicles.
“If the allegation is that certain buses are operating without the necessary permits or are in breach of regulatory requirements, then those concerns should rightly be directed to the authorities responsible for licensing, inspections and enforcement,” he said in a statement.
Yap said the state government’s objective through the programme is to ease transportation challenges faced by families and ensure students are not deprived of access to education.
He added that any concerns regarding permits, licensing and compliance should be clarified with the relevant regulatory authorities responsible for overseeing commercial vehicles.
At the same time, Yap emphasised that bus operators engaged under the programme must comply fully with all applicable laws, permit conditions and safety requirements.
“If any operator has failed to comply with the relevant regulations, permit requirements or safety standards, then firm and appropriate enforcement action should be taken against the operator concerned in accordance with the law,” he said.
Yap also disagreed with suggestions that the age of a vehicle alone determines whether it is safe for use.
He said transport safety is assessed through inspections, maintenance standards, compliance requirements, and certification by the relevant authorities.
“The critical question is whether a vehicle has been certified fit for service under the applicable regulations, not merely its age,” he said.
According to Yap, any genuine concerns involving vehicles operating under the programme should be investigated promptly by the appropriate authorities, with enforcement action taken against operators found to have breached regulations.
He said the Free School Bus Programme has benefited many students and families across Sarawak by helping to reduce transportation costs and improve access to education.
While constructive feedback is welcome, Yap said discussions surrounding the programme should be guided by facts and a clear understanding of the responsibilities of all parties involved.
“The welfare and safety of our schoolchildren are too important to be politicised. What is required is a fact-based approach that ensures regulatory compliance, holds non-compliant operators accountable, and allows the programme to continue serving students and families effectively across Sarawak,” he said.
