By Danial Dzulkifly
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 11 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook said low ridership and its consequent lack of profit are primary reasons why companies are hesitant to offer transportation services in Malaysia’s rural regions.
However, he said the government remains open to collaborations with various stakeholders to fill this void, especially in terms of the offering of community van services.
“Private entities shy away from providing transport services in rural areas mainly due to the scanty ridership and potential low returns.
“Still, the government is willing to partner with different parties, not just exclusively private firms, but NGOs, parliamentary service centres, and other interested organisations can step forward.
“We’ll ensure there’s a proper monitoring mechanism in place to manage these community van services,” he said in parliament today.
Loke was responding to a supplementary question by Tanjong Karang MP Dr Zulkafperi Hanapi on the government’s effort to increase public transportation usage in rural areas.
Earlier, in response to a query from Pekan MP Datuk Seri Sh Mohmed Puzi Sh Ali, Loke said RM105 million has been earmarked for the Interim Stage Bus Service Fund (ISBSF) as part of the government’s subsidy programme.
The ISBSF is a dedicated fund designed to assist bus operators in subsidising their costs. It currently supports 265 bus routes in Peninsular Malaysia and another 88 across Sabah and Sarawak.
Loke also disclosed that the government is considering the implementation of a new initiative known as the Demand Responsive Transit (DRT), which is currently under review.
This is aimed at bridging the ‘first mile-last mile’ gap, seamlessly connecting individuals to main transportation arteries, such as rail lines, and ensuring they can easily reach their workplaces or other key destinations.
Loke added that his ministry is currently focused on integrating various public transport services, including bus networks, within the Klang Valley.
In parallel, the Selangor government is aiding this initiative by integrating its Smart Selangor Bus service with major transport lines through the review of its bus routes for better streamlining with the federal administration.
