KUCHING: School bus operators in Sarawak will soon need support letters from the schools they serve, under a new Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak requirement aimed at ensuring fair fares and greater accountability in the industry.
LPKP Sarawak chairman Michael Kong Feng Nian said the measure is designed to protect parents and ensure transparency in pricing.
“This measure is intended to ensure transparency and fairness in bus fares, so that charges imposed are reasonable and reflect what has been mutually agreed upon by parents, schools and operators.
“Ultimately, this policy aims to protect parents while promoting accountability within the industry,” he said in a statement posted on his Facebook.
LPKP Sarawak announced the move during a briefing recently with school bus associations and operators from across Kuching, Samarahan, Sibu and Miri.
Kong said since November 2025, LPKP Sarawak has begun implementing updated policies for lorries, stage buses and employee buses.
“These policy updates form part of our broader initiative to ensure that existing regulations remain relevant and aligned with the needs of today’s society. The extension of these policy reforms to the school bus sector is a natural and necessary next step,” he said.
He added that operators has also raised alarm over the increasing presence of unlicensed school buses, which lack valid insurance and put students at risk.
“This is a deeply worrying issue, as unlicensed school buses do not have valid insurance coverage in the event of an accident.
“Any private hire insurance would be rendered void when a vehicle operates without a valid permit from LPKP Sarawak, leaving students and parents exposed to significant risk,” he said.
He urged operators to work with schools to warn parents and said LPKP Sarawak would engage the Education Department to strengthen outreach.
“In view of this, we have sought the cooperation of school bus operators and associations to help raise awareness among schools, so that this important message can be effectively conveyed to parents.
“Parents place immense trust in school bus services when they entrust their children’s safety to them, and it is crucial that only school buses duly licensed by LPKP Sarawak are used and endorsed by schools.
“Moving forward, LPKP Sarawak will also engage with the Education Department to seek their assistance in strengthening outreach and communication with all schools, emphasising the importance of engaging only school bus operators licensed by LPKP Sarawak,” he added.
