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New Straits Times
30-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Kedahans praise govt's pink Bas.My for comfort, affordability
ALOR STAR: Kedahans, especially senior citizens and students, have welcomed the Transport Ministry's stage bus service, noting its affordable fares and reliable service. A check at the under-renovation Shahab Perdana Bus Terminal here found that the elderly dominate the ridership of the distinctive pink buses. Retired civil servant Aziz Abdullah, 57, lauded the service as a success in its early stages. "I took a ride from my home in Jitra and it was a pleasant experience. The bus was in good condition, comfortable, and ideal for those who want a relaxing commute," he said. He added that based on his observations, the Jitra-Alor Star route was mainly used by the elderly and students. "It's like going back to the '90s, the fares are affordable and service is reliable. Students, especially from Jitra's higher learning institutions, also seem to be making good use of it, especially on weekends," he said. Bus driver D. Tenagaran, 70, said the service had attracted tourists and international students exploring the city. "Popular stops include Aman Central, Masjid Zahir, and Pekan Rabu. Ridership is growing steadily as more people realise how affordable and convenient it is," he said. However, not everyone was enthusiastic. A taxi driver, who wanted to be identified only as Pak Mail, said the service had intensified competition in an already saturated market. "Our business has taken a hit. We're already competing with e-hailing services, and now this adds to the challenge." Even so, he said the service had increased foot traffic around the terminal. "Maybe it's still early, but at least it brings more people here. Some prefer taking a bus to town and then a taxi home," he added. The stage bus service, part of the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, has a RM78.5 million five-year allocation for 13 Kedah routes. A RM50 for a 30-day unlimited travel pass is available for Malaysians in Kota Setar district, allowing unlimited rides across all 13 routes for a month. Meanwhile, free rides are provided through the Concession Card for senior citizens, the disabled, schoolchildren and all students from public and private higher learning institutions. On Monday, Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the Kota Setar district service, launched on June 1, had recorded approximately 30,000 users monthly. The figure is expected to hit 40,000 by month's end.
New Straits Times
28-07-2025
- New Straits Times
Loke: Public support key to sustaining Bas.My bus service
ALOR STAR: The Transport Ministry is calling on the public to make full use of the stage bus service, introduced under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, which is being rolled out in phases this year. Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the government has allocated substantial funding to support this initiative, particularly in urban areas where the service is currently operating. "To convince the Finance Ministry to continue providing allocations to us, I need to show data and performance - that this service truly benefits the people. "If the public doesn't use this service despite the affordable fares and convenience offered, we will struggle to justify further funding for its expansion," Loke told reporters after launching the Kota Setar service today. Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who is also the co-chairman of the Kedah State Development Action Council and Kedah State Agriculture, Plantation and Transport Committee chairman Dzowahir Ab Ghani. Loke said that the federal government has allocated RM78.5 million over five years, or RM15.7 million annually, to operate 13 SBST routes in Kedah. The Kota Setar service, which began operations in stages on June 1, has recorded approximately 30,000 users monthly, with numbers expected to reach 40,000 by the end of this month. "We hope more people will use it. The cost to the government is fixed at RM15.7 million a year for Kedah, regardless of how many passengers use the service. "The more passengers we have, the lower the average cost per passenger, making the government's investment more worthwhile," the minister remarked. On a separate note, Loke addressed the recent fatal accident involving a bus in Kota Sarang Semut, saying the matter is under police investigation. The ministry will assist with technical investigations, but whether the driver was negligent or will face charges is up to the police to determine, he said. "Of course, all bus operators are required to adhere to strict safety regulations, including speed limits and mandatory driver training programmes," he added. – BERNAMA
The Sun
28-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Public urged to use Bas.My for subsidised bus service continuity
ALOR SETAR: The Ministry of Transport is urging the public to utilise the stage bus service to ensure its long-term sustainability. Introduced under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, the service is being rolled out in phases this year with significant government funding. Transport Minister Anthony Loke stressed the need for strong ridership to justify continued financial support. 'To convince the Finance Ministry to keep funding this, I need data proving its benefits. If people don't use it despite affordable fares, securing future allocations will be tough,' he said after launching the Kota Setar service. The federal government has allocated RM78.5 million over five years for 13 SBST routes in Kedah. Since its phased launch on June 1, the Kota Setar service has seen around 30,000 monthly users, with projections reaching 40,000 by month-end. Loke explained that higher ridership reduces per-passenger costs, making the subsidy more efficient. 'The annual cost remains RM15.7 million regardless of passenger numbers. More users mean better value for the government's investment.' On safety concerns following a recent fatal accident involving a bus, Loke clarified that investigations are ongoing. 'Police will determine if negligence occurred. All operators must comply with strict safety rules, including speed limits and driver training.' - Bernama
Barnama
28-07-2025
- Business
- Barnama
MoT Urges Public To Use BAS.MY To Ensure Continuation Of Subsidised Bus Service
ALOR SETAR, July 28 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Transport is calling on the public to make full use of the stage bus service introduced under the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) programme, which is being rolled out in phases this year. Minister Anthony Loke said the government has allocated substantial funding to support this initiative, particularly in urban areas where the service is in operation. 'To convince the Finance Ministry to continue providing allocations to us, I need to show data and performance - that this service truly benefits the people. 'If the public doesn't use this service despite the affordable fares and convenience offered, we will struggle to justify further funding for its expansion,' Loke told reporters after launching the Kota Setar service today. Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who is also the co-chairman of the Kedah State Development Action Council, and Kedah State Agriculture, Plantation and Transport Committee chairman Dzowahir Ab Ghani. Loke said that the federal government has allocated RM78.5 million over five years, or RM15.7 million annually, to operate 13 SBST routes in Kedah. The Kota Setar service, which began operations in stages on June 1, has recorded approximately 30,000 users monthly, with numbers expected to reach 40,000 by the end of this month. 'We hope more people will use it. The cost to the government is fixed at RM15.7 million a year for Kedah, regardless of how many passengers use the service. 'The more passengers we have, the lower the average cost per passenger, making the government's investment more worthwhile,' the minister remarked.
New Straits Times
17-07-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Saliran names CFO Yong Wai Kin as executive director
KUALA LUMPUR: Saliran Group Bhd has appointed its chief financial officer (CFO) Yong Wai Kin as executive director effective today. The company said the appointment reflects the board's confidence in Yong's leadership and expertise as Saliran continues to advance its growth trajectory post-initial public offering (IPO). Yong has served as Saliran's CFO since May 2022 and brings over 30 years of experience in finance, audit, and corporate management across industries including manufacturing, automotive, media and palm oil. Since joining Saliran, he has overseen the company's financial management and contributed to its listing on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia in 2025. Prior to joining Saliran, Yong held senior leadership positions including executive director and CFO of Mann Seng Metal International Ltd, where he facilitated its IPO on the Singapore Exchange in May 2010. He also previously served as CFO of Econframe Bhd, overseeing its financial and corporate affairs and played a key role in its public listing in October 2020. Yong said it has been rewarding to support Saliran's financial management and contribute to its successful listing on the ACE Market since joining the company. Saliran was listed on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia on March 13. Its market capitalisation stands at RM78.5 million.
