Johor-Singapore shuttle buses resume operations, but pay dispute still unresolved
He said shuttle bus services at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) and several other major bus stops in the city to Singapore are operating as usual today.
'The resumption of the services was due to efforts by the state government and Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) in reaching out to the drivers and their company representatives on the issues that triggered the day-long strike yesterday.
'However, the matter is still unresolved pending ongoing negotiations with the 100-odd bus drivers and their companies,' he said when contacted by the media today.
Mohamad Fazli explained that there were many factors, including salaries, that contributed to the shuttle bus strike yesterday.
'At present, there have been no developments yet as both parties are still at the discussion stage,' he said.
Yesterday, thousands of Malaysian workers commuting to Singapore were affected as more than 100 shuttle bus drivers to the republic went on strike from 5am.
Many Malaysians and other visitors to Singapore were stranded at major bus stops as well as the BSI. Some opted to walk the length of the Causeway to reach the republic.
It is understood that the strike was motivated by bus drivers' wage cuts and an increase in mandatory trips, which were among their main grouses.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
an hour ago
- New Straits Times
Sultan Ibrahim to make first state visit to Russia by Malaysian monarch
KUALA LUMPUR: The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim will make history as the first Malaysian monarch to undertake a state visit to the Russian Federation, from Aug 5 to 10, 2025. The visit, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin, marks a significant milestone in Malaysia-Russia relations, which began with the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1967. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said the visit underscores the vital role of the Malaysian monarchy in advancing the nation's diplomacy on the global stage. "The state visit not only serves to strengthen existing bilateral ties, but also opens avenues for new cooperation across various sectors, including trade, higher education, technology and innovation, and people-to-people engagement," it said is a statement. As Asean chair in 2025, Malaysia is also expected to play a key role in reinforcing strategic partnerships, particularly with Russia, which has been a dialogue partner of Asean since 1996. During the visit to Moscow, Sultan Ibrahim will be accorded a state welcome at the Kremlin, followed by an official meeting with President Putin. His Majesty will also attend a state banquet hosted by the Russian president. Sultan Ibrahim is also scheduled to visit several leading Russian innovation hubs, including the Central Automotive Development Centre (NAMI) and the Tochka Kipeniya Technology and Innovation Hub. Following the engagements in Moscow, His Majesty will proceed to Kazan in the Republic of Tatarstan on Aug 8. Tatarstan, a Muslim-majority autonomous republic within the Russian Federation, plays a unique role in fostering interfaith understanding and cultural exchange. While in Kazan, Sultan Ibrahim is expected to grant an audience to Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and tour a local helicopter manufacturing and assembly facility. The state visit highlights Malaysia's commitment to exploring new diplomatic and economic frontiers while furthering international cooperation rooted in mutual respect and shared interests.
The Star
2 hours ago
- The Star
Tariff cuts for 11,000 US products
Sharing updates: Tengku Zafrul speaking to the media during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur. — MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star New trade terms take effect on Aug 8, covering industrial and agricultural goods KUALA LUMPUR: More than 11,000 US products coming into Malaysia from Aug 8 will have zero or reduced tariffs, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz announced. The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said that this was the concession requested by the United States during protracted tariff negotiations which began in April and concluded yesterday. 'The US list involves 11,260 tariff lines. Of this, a total of 6,911 products are mainly industrial manufacturing products, which made up a large portion of the list. 'Another 191 products fall under the agricultural tariff line. 'This means that about 61% of imported products under the list will have zero tariff,' he told a press conference. He added that about 39% of the US products under the list saw their tariffs reduced. 'This means we had made a comprehensive offer that covers 98.4% of all tariff lines to eliminate or reduce tariffs,' he added. 'The reduction of tariff is a win-win outcome for both Malaysia and the United States, demonstrating a strong and constructive bilateral Malaysia-US relationship, built over the last 68 years,' Tengku Zafrul said. The United States had initially requested zero or reduced tariffs on a total of 11,444 US products during negotiations. He noted that 6,567 US products were already on the zero tariff list which was agreed on during previous negotiations. Among the US agriculture products that will have zero tariffs, he said, include dairy, poultry, fruits and sanitary products. He added that the 19% tariffs imposed on Malaysian exports to the United States will also be enforced on Aug 8. On Malaysian semiconductors and pharmaceutical exports to the United States, Tengku Zafrul said that they are exempted from the 19% tariffs imposed by the United States. 'At the moment, semiconductors and pharmaceutical products from Malaysia which are exported to the United States are exempted from tariffs. 'However, this is subject to Section 323 of the US Trade Expansion Act. 'The US Department of Trade and Commerce will still have to decide if this is fair,' he said, adding that the final decision will be known by the end of the year. Tengku Zafrul said that the conclusion of the US tariff negotiations will help provide some certainty to exporters and industries in Malaysia. He said that he will be issuing a joint statement with US Trade Representative ambassador Jamieson Greer on the tariffs soon.
The Sun
3 hours ago
- The Sun
Reduced levy to take effect on Aug 8: Minister
PETALING JAYA: The reduced tariffs on Malaysian exports will take effect on Aug 8 following the conclusion of negotiations between both countries, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. He said both governments are expected to issue a joint statement this weekend to formalise the agreement, which he described as a significant breakthrough in bilateral trade relations. 'In the tariff negotiations, we adopted a comprehensive and systematic approach in finalising Malaysia's offer to the US. 'The ministry's negotiation team worked closely with various government agencies to coordinate efforts. We also obtained Cabinet approval to present an offer to the US that we believe is fair for Malaysia.' He said the outcome reflects the strength of Malaysia-US economic ties with the US remaining Malaysia's largest export market valued at RM198.65 billion in 2024, and affirms Malaysia's credibility as a reliable trade and investment partner. Tengku Zafrul said the revised 19% tariff aligns Malaysia with regional competitors, helping safeguard national interests while maintaining export competitiveness. He also directly addressed public concerns that Malaysia may have compromised its halal standards to meet US demands, dismissing such claims as false. 'What was agreed upon was to facilitate the import process of US halal meat into Malaysia, which will be carried out by US halal certification bodies recognised by the Islamic Development Department. 'Compliance with syariah requirements remains a prerequisite for all halal meat imports, including those from the US. Any meat that does not meet the department's standards cannot be brought into Malaysia.' Tengku Zafrul thanked the US Trade Representative's Office and the US Commerce Department for their constructive cooperation. He said the ministry has been working with Bank Negara Malaysia to assess the economic implications of various tariff levels and would coordinate with other ministries to support local exporters, especially SMEs. The ministry will also promote the use of Malaysia's 18 free trade agreements to diversify export markets and align efforts with long-term national strategies, including the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, Green Investment Strategy and the National Semiconductor Strategy.
