SHAH ALAM, March 1 — Foreigners using the Selangor Smart Bus service will be charged a fare of 90 sen starting March 15, said the state executive councillor for public transportation Ng Sze Han.
He said the introduction of the fare for foreigners was made to cover some of the costs required by the state government and local authorities in expanding and providing the best facilities to the public. However, Malaysian citizens will not be charged any fees, he said.
“To maintain and improve this service for a longer period, the step to introduce fare for foreigners is appropriate,” he told reporters when launching the “Scan To Ride” application today.
However, he said the introduction of the fare was not a form of discrimination against foreigners who also contributed to the economic growth of the state.
The application was the result of a collaboration between Smart Selangor Delivery Unit and Shah Alam City Council.
Starting today, he said Smart Selangor bus users in all 12 local authorities in Selangor will be required to use the “Scan To Ride” function when using the bus service, that is, when boarding and disembarking the Smart Selangor buses through the Citizen E-Payment application (CEPat).
“The function of this system allows users to pay the fare by scanning the QR Code at the bus entrance and exit, in line with the National Security Council’s recommendation to go cashless in order to help reduce the risk of Covid-19 infections,” said Ng.
“Only foreigners aged between 18 and 59 will be charged 90 sen per person for each time they board or disembark regardless of destinations, starting March 15,” he said.
Meanwhile, senior citizens and children are not required to use the Scan To Ride system and are only encouraged to bring an identity card or a copy to enable the bus conductor to give them permission to board the bus, he said.
— Bernama
