Latest news with #LPKPSarawak
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
LPKP Sarawak plans to mandate GPS, e-ticketing on stage buses
Kong (seated third right) during a dialogue session with taxi operators. SIBU (Aug 14): The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak plans to enforce the mandatory installation of Global Positioning System (GPS) devices and electronic ticketing machines (ETMs) on all stage buses. LPKP 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, LPKP 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, LPKP Sarawak has agreed to utilise the annual RM5 million 'Dana Bantuan Sementara Pengusaha Bas Berhenti-Henti' (DBSPB) 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 LPKP 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 LPKP 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, LPKP Sarawak is heartened by the general openness and constructive feedback received. Kong assured that LPKP Sarawak will continue to play a facilitative role by arranging dialogues between taxi operators and e-hailing operators like Grab Malaysia, enabling taxi operators can make informed decisions about which platform or system best suits their needs. He added that LPKP 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.
Borneo Post
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
LPKP Sarawak to harmonise policies with Sabah, mandate GPS for commercial vehicles
Kong (second right) in a photo call with LPKP Sabah chairperson Vivian Wong Shir Yee (centre) after a meeting held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah recently. KUCHING (June 24): The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak is working towards harmonising policies with its Sabah counterpart to create a more unified and business-friendly regulatory environment for the industry. Its chairman Michael Kong Feng Nian said the initiative follows a key meeting between LPKP Sarawak and LPKP Sabah in July 2024, during which both parties agreed to work towards synchronising their commercial vehicle policies. 'One of our primary objectives is to establish a clearer and more structured regulatory framework for industry players, particularly those engaged in cross-border trade with Indonesia and Brunei. 'Additionally, this initiative will improve connectivity with our Asean partners, Indonesia and Brunei, fostering greater economic cooperation,' said Kong in a statement following a meeting between LPKP Sabah and Sarawak held in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah recently. As part of its reform agenda, LPKP Sarawak will soon require all commercial vehicles to be equipped with GPS systems. Kong said this move is aimed at enhancing road safety, ensuring regulatory compliance and support real-time vehicle monitoring. He added that the GPS systems must comply with safety and technical standards set by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) to ensure consistency and reliability across the industry. According to him, Industry players have welcomed the move, recognising the benefits of a more cohesive and transparent regulatory structure. 'At LPKP Sarawak, we remain dedicated to refining and modernising our policies in response to industry needs. 'We appreciate the cooperation and valuable input of our board members and stakeholders as we work towards building a stronger, more efficient regulatory framework that empowers the commercial vehicle sector and contributes to Sarawak's economic prosperity,' he said.
