Bus driver shortage sees some working up to 28 days a month

New Straits Times

4 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Some bus operators in Malaysia allow drivers to work up to 28 days a month due to a severe manpower shortage.
Bumiputera Bus Operators Association (PPBBM) chairman Zainal Abidin Mehat said this is made worse by drivers who often volunteer to work extra days to earn more.
"Typically, bus drivers work 20 days a month with 10 days off. But there are cases where they work nearly the entire month — up to 28 days — if they agree to it," he told Berita Harian.
He said the arrangement is made with the mutual consent of both the company and the driver, and usually begins with the employer asking whether the driver is willing to work during their off days.
"This often happens because many companies are struggling to find enough qualified drivers," he added.
Previously, Berita Harian reported that many bus drivers in Malaysia are senior citizens, which raises concerns about their safety due to slower reflexes, declining vision and hearing, and increased fatigue.
Universiti Putra Malaysia's (UPM) Road Safety Research Centre head Associate Professor Dr Law Teik Hua warned that older drivers are also more likely to suffer from sudden health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart attacks while driving, putting passengers at risk.
Zainal said most bus drivers receive a basic monthly salary of RM1,700 and depend heavily on travel allowances and overtime to boost their income.
"On average, drivers can earn between RM3,000 and RM5,000 a month. However, the calculation of allowances and overtime varies between companies," he said.
"For chartered bus drivers, allowances are based mostly on distance travelled, while express bus drivers earn through a mix of travel and overtime payments."
He added that most companies do not set a fixed number of trips per day for their drivers and ensure that they receive sufficient rest between journeys.
"Drivers are usually given a break of up to six hours before starting their next trip. If the bus needs to continue its route sooner, the company will assign a new driver from the depot," he said.
"So there's no issue of drivers being overworked or rushing to complete trips, as proper rest is prioritised."