CVLB Sarawak plans to mandate GPS, e-ticketing on stage buses
SIBU (Aug 14): The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak plans to enforce the mandatory installation of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices and electronic ticketing machines (ETMs) on all stage buses.
CVLB Sarawak chairman Michael Kong said this technological upgrade is essential for improving data collection, such as ridership statistics, which will directly inform and enhance route planning and service optimisation.
'Historically, the lack of data has limited our ability to assess and adjust routes effectively. Through this initiative, CVLB Sarawak aims to make data-driven decisions that will lead to better public transport services throughout Sarawak.
'We fully recognise the financial implications of these upgrades. To ease this burden, CVLB Sarawak has agreed to utilise the annual RM5 million 'Dana Bantuan Sementara Pengusaha Bas Berhenti-Henti' fund to subsidise the cost of implementing these technologies,' Kong said in a statement today.
The statement was issued following dialogues with key players in the public transport sector, namely taxi operators and stage bus operators from the central region, including Sibu, Sarikei, and Kapit held in Sibu yesterday.
During the dialogue session with the taxi industry, Kong said CVLB Sarawak reiterated that it is a mandatory requirement for all taxis to use meters for fare calculation.
'Unfortunately, compliance has remained an issue in the past, and we are taking steps to address this more effectively,' he added.
To support this effort, Kong said CVLB Sarawak has introduced a new initiative whereby e-hailing operators have agreed to incorporate taxi meter functions directly into their mobile applications.
'This approach provides taxi operators with a more cost-effective alternative to traditional physical meters. With pricing transparency and improved accessibility, we hope to restore public confidence in taxi services.
'This is especially important considering next year will be Visit Malaysia 2026, as we all try to promote Malaysia as a top tourist destination.'
Kong said while some operators initially voiced concerns, CVLB Sarawak is heartened by the general openness and constructive feedback received.
Kong assured that CVLB Sarawak will continue to play a facilitative role by arranging dialogues between taxi operators and e-hailing operators like Grab Malaysia, enabling taxi operators to make informed decisions about which platform or system best suits their needs.
He added that CVLB Sarawak remains committed to continuous engagement with the public and transport operators.
'Our goal is to listen, collaborate, and implement reforms that modernise the industry while ensuring it remains accessible and efficient for all,' said Kong.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hype Malaysia
2 hours ago
- Hype Malaysia
MAJDOMO Debuts In Malaysia With MODA Smartwatch Specially Priced At RM299
Global wearable tech brand MAJDOMO has officially made its Malaysian debut with the MODA smartwatch, a stylish and feature-packed device that proves premium health and fitness technology can be affordable. Priced at RM598 – but now available at a special launch price of RM299 for a limited time – the MODA brings together high-end performance and everyday accessibility for Malaysian consumers who want both style and substance. Health Features That Should Be Standard The MODA comes with wellness tools often found only in premium models. These include 24 hour heart rate monitoring, intelligent SpO₂ tracking, detailed sleep analysis, and a 360° Women's Wellness Management System for menstrual and ovulation tracking. Made For Malaysians On The Move From city commutes to weekend hikes, the MODA is powered by the ATS3085S4 processor for smooth and energy efficient performance. It supports multi-system GPS including GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, Galileo, NAVIC and QZSS for precise location tracking. Its 5ATM and IP68 waterproof rating means it can handle rain, sweat, swimming and even tropical downpours. The lightweight aluminium zinc alloy frame and liquid silicone strap ensure comfort all day, with multiple colour options to match different styles. Fitness Made Simple With more than 170 sports modes and 24 hour activity tracking, the MODA helps users stay motivated without complicated setups. Every step, heartbeat and movement syncs seamlessly to health apps via Bluetooth. The MODA smartwatch is now available in Malaysia at a special launch price of RM299, down from RM598, for a limited time only. Get yours exclusively on TikTok Shop and Shopee while stocks last.
The Sun
6 hours ago
- The Sun
Data centre investments expected to boost Malaysia's export capacity: BNM governor
KUALA LUMPUR: Ongoing investments in data centres are expected to boost Malaysia's export capacity from the second half of 2025, despite a temporary increase in imports, said Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) governor Datuk Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour. He explained that the spike in imports is mainly due to the building and upgrading of data centres. 'Our workforce and machinery are strong, which is positive. We are increasing our productivity and export capacity for the future,' he said at a press conference today on Malaysia's second-quarter economic performance. Some data centres have already begun serving overseas clients, an encouraging early sign. 'While the benefits might be modest now, these investments will pay off by boosting Malaysia's ability to earn from exports in the future, especially in the second half of the year and beyond,' he added. BNM reported that Malaysia's economy grew 4.4% year‑on‑year in Q2 2025, matching the performance of the first quarter and slightly below the 4.5% forecast. On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter basis, growth was 2.1%, up from 0.7% in the first quarter. The central bank has revised its full-year GDP growth outlook to 4.0%–4.8%, down from the earlier 4.5%–5.5% range, citing global trade uncertainties. BNM cut interest rates in July for the first time in five years to forestall economic headwinds. Inflation has remained tame, with consumer prices in June rising just 1.1% year‑on‑year, the slowest pace in over four years. Abdul Rasheed noted that while exports faced challenges, including a 19% US tariff on Malaysian goods introduced earlier this month and a potential 100% tariff on semiconductors, there are still sources of strength. Rising global demand for electrical and electronic goods, along with a rebound in tourist arrivals, is expected to support exports moving forward. Meanwhile, Malaysia's current account surplus narrowed sharply in Q2 to RM16.7 billion (0.1% of GDP) from RM38.5 billion (3.4% of GDP) in Q1. The drop was mainly due to planned maintenance at oil and gas facilities, which pushed exports lower. Oil and gas exports fell to RM16 billion, down from RM20 billion, while LNG exports were worth over RM5 billion. LNG exports rose 4.3% from May to June, as most maintenance work was completed. This should help lift the current account balance in the second half, with the full-year surplus still expected to land within the 1.5%–2.5% of GDP range. Foreign direct investment also cooled significantly, with net inflows in Q2 falling to RM1.6 billion from RM15.6 billion in Q1. While fresh equity injections totalled RM8.6 billion and debt instrument inflows added RM5 billion, these were more than offset by RM12 billion in reinvested earnings outflows as multinational corporations repatriated profits.
The Sun
7 hours ago
- The Sun
Orang Asli entrepreneur Meley Alug transforms life with home salon
GUA MUSANG: Meley Alug once walked door-to-door offering hair styling services while holding her children's hands. Now, the 36-year-old Orang Asli entrepreneur runs a thriving home salon in Kampung Dusun Raja, Kuala Betis Resettlement Plan. Her journey began nearly a decade ago, balancing work and childcare during long styling sessions. 'At that time, the children were still very small, so I had to constantly soothe and manage them while working,' she recalled. Two years ago, her business expanded after receiving equipment support from the Department of Orang Asli Development (JAKOA). 'Now, customers come directly to my home for additional services such as hair washing and treatments,' she said. Meley now serves clients with services priced between RM5 for children and RM150 for adults. Her monthly income can reach RM2,000, especially during festive seasons. To attract customers, she offers discounts during festivals and a re-grooming guarantee. Meley dreams of opening a larger salon and inspiring other Orang Asli women to pursue entrepreneurship. - Bernama
