Kuching: The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak has expressed serious concern over the continued use of overaged buses to transport schoolchildren despite repeated warnings and clarifications issued by the board.
LPKP Sarawak chairman Michael Kong Feng Nian reiterated that school buses over 30 years old are not eligible for licensing and are prohibited from operating as school buses.
“LPKP Sarawak’s position has always been clear and consistent. School buses that are more than 30 years old are not eligible to be licensed and are not permitted to operate as school buses. This requirement exists for the safety of our children and is non-negotiable,” he said in a statement.
Kong said it was deeply concerning that some parties continue to disregard the regulations despite being informed of the licensing requirements.
He stressed that compliance with safety regulations cannot be treated as optional, particularly when the well-being of schoolchildren is at stake.
“Parents entrust their children to school bus operators every day with the expectation that the vehicles used comply with all legal and safety requirements,” he said.
According to Kong, the issue is not merely one of regulatory compliance but also of responsibility in ensuring the highest safety standards are maintained when transporting students.
He noted that LPKP Sarawak is prepared to assist operators with licensing applications by expediting and prioritising the approval process.
However, he said the board could not condone breaches of the law or compromise on safety requirements by allowing buses that exceed the age limit to continue operating as school buses.
Based on LPKP Sarawak’s records, 11 buses are currently being used to serve students at SJK Chung Hua No. 6 and SK Sungai Maong Hilir. Of these, four buses have exceeded the maximum age limit of 30 years and are therefore ineligible for school bus licences.
Kong called on all relevant parties to take immediate action to replace the overaged vehicles with buses that comply with existing laws and licensing requirements.
“These overaged buses must be replaced with vehicles that comply with the existing laws and licensing requirements,” he said.
He urged stakeholders to rectify the situation promptly and ensure full compliance with the law to safeguard schoolchildren’s safety.
