Kuching: Special Assistant to Stampin MP Chong Chieng Jen, Sim Kiat Leng, said recent findings by the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sarawak Chairman, Michael Kong Feng Nian, have highlighted concerns over the implementation of the free school bus programme for SJK Chung Hua No. 6.
Sim said it has once again highlighted the importance of having strong opposition to ensure proper oversight of government policies in Sarawak.
“It has now been confirmed that 5 out of the 12 buses currently operating under the programme are more than 30 years old.
“This clearly contravenes the existing policy, which stipulates that school buses must not exceed 30 years of age and must have been licensed before reaching 20 years old. These requirements are in place to safeguard the safety of students and other road users,” he said in a statement.
He stressed that this should not be seen as a failure on the drivers’ part, who are merely carrying out their duties.
“Instead, accountability must rest with the Sarawak Government and YB See Chee How. Whether any proper safety and compliance checks were conducted before the implementation of the programme,” he said.
Sim further pointed out that the issue extends beyond the age of the vehicles.
“It has also been revealed that not all drivers possess valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licences, which is a mandatory legal requirement.
“In addition, the programme has been operating since 12 January 2026 without obtaining the necessary LPKP operating permits, effectively rendering it an unlicensed operation,” he said.
Sim warned that the combination of unlicensed operations, overaged vehicles, and drivers without valid PSV licences represents a serious breach of safety and regulatory standards.
“This is not merely an administrative oversight but a systemic failure that compromises the safety of students,” he said.
He also warned that, under such circumstances, insurance coverage may be rendered invalid, and insurance companies may lawfully refuse to pay claims in the event of an accident.
“In such a scenario, the burden would ultimately fall on the affected students and their families,” he said.
Sim emphasised that this case clearly demonstrates the critical role of the opposition in Sarawak.
“It is through persistent questioning and scrutiny by opposition representatives that these issues have been brought to light. Without such oversight, these serious lapses may have remained undisclosed,” he said.
He cautioned that a political environment without opposition would result in a lack of checks and balances, ultimately undermining accountability and public safety.
While reiterating support for initiatives that genuinely benefit students, including free school bus services, Sim stressed that such programmes must always adhere to the fundamental principles of safety, legality, and compliance.
He urged the Sarawak Government and YB See Chee How to take immediate action, including replacing all overaged buses, ensuring that all drivers are properly licensed, expediting applications for LPKP permits, and confirming that all insurance coverage is valid and in full compliance with the law.
“The government must lead by example and uphold the law. The safety of our children must never be compromised,” he added.
