Express bus operators not allowed to transport goods in passenger areas of coach buses, says LPKP chairman

KUCHING, Dec 19 2025: Express bus operators will not be allowed to transport goods in the passenger areas of coach buses, following complaints from the commuters, state Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board (LPKP) chairman Michael Kong said.

MIchael Kong: State LPKP recognises the operational realities faced by express bus operators,  but safety and passenger welfare must always remain the top priority. 

He said this is one of the key policy directions discussed between the board and the state Ministry of Transport (MoT) yesterday.

“We have repeatedly received public complaints about goods being placed in passenger areas of coach buses,” Kong said in a statement.

“This practice poses serious safety risks, particularly during emergencies where evacuation may be required,” he said, adding that for this reason, the board’s new policy will dictate that express bus operators are only permitted to store passengers’ belongings and goods in designated cargo compartments, and not within the passenger cabin.

He state LPKP takes public safety very seriously, and it recognises the operational realities faced by express bus operators, but safety and passenger welfare must always remain the top priority.

He said the board will continue to work closely with the state MoT and industry players to strike a responsible balance between the sustainability of commercial vehicle operations and the safety, comfort, and well-being of the general public.

He said the state LPKP, together with MoT , held a coordination meeting with all express bus operators in Sarawak to discuss and align on new policies affecting the express bus industry.

He said the engagement is crucial to ensure that express bus routes are properly planned, standardised, and operate strictly through approved routes and designated stopping points.

“Equally important is the need for express buses to adhere to their approved schedules, saying that compliance with these schedules will help ensure a more reliable, orderly, and dependable public transport service for the people, while also improving passenger confidence in express bus services across Sarawak.