Kuching: The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak today clarified that 11 out of the 12 buses launched under the Sarawak Government’s free school bus programme have yet to obtain operating licences from the agency.
Its Chairman, Michael Kong Feng Nian, said the only information currently available to LPKP Sarawak regarding the programme concerns the 12 buses launched in January 2026 by YAB Premier Sarawak together with YB See Chee How at SJK Chung Hua No. 6 and SK Sungai Maong Hilir.
“Following the launch, LPKP Sarawak obtained and reviewed the full details of all 12 buses under the programme. Our records confirm that as of 12 May 2026, 11 out of the 12 buses are not licensed by LPKP Sarawak,” he said in a statement.
According to Kong, only one bus currently holds a valid licence, which remains effective until 2 December 2029.
He further revealed that four of the 12 buses exceed the maximum age limit permitted under regulations governing school buses.
“These vehicles are between 34 and 37 years old, which is well beyond the prescribed 30-year limit,” he said.
Kong stressed that the age restriction exists for safety reasons, particularly because the buses are used to transport schoolchildren.
“As such, vehicles exceeding this limit cannot be issued with licences by LPKP Sarawak,” he added.
He said the agency had already informed YB See Chee How that the affected vehicles would need to be replaced to comply with licensing requirements.
At the same time, Kong said LPKP Sarawak had expressed its willingness to assist and expedite the licensing process for vehicles that meet the regulatory requirements.
He also clarified that the sole licensed bus operator was approved only until 2 December 2029, as the vehicle would reach the 30-year age limit on that date, having originally been registered with JPJ on 2 December 1999.
Kong was responding to remarks made during today’s Sarawak DUN sitting by the Minister for Education, Innovation, and Talent Development, Sarawak, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who allegedly suggested wrongdoing on the part of LPKP Sarawak for permitting buses over 30 years old to operate.
Describing the allegation as “grossly inaccurate and misleading”, Kong maintained that LPKP Sarawak has always acted in accordance with applicable regulations and safety requirements, especially where the welfare of schoolchildren is concerned.
