Kuching: The operation of 12 unlicensed school buses under a free transport initiative for Chung Hua Primary School No. 6 has raised serious safety and regulatory concerns, according to LPKP Sarawak Chairman, Michael Kong Feng Nian.
In a statement, Kong clarified that no applications have been submitted for School Bus Licences for any of the 12 buses involved in the programme.
The initiative, led by See Chee How in collaboration with the Sarawak government, was launched on 12 January 2026.
However, Kong noted that since its commencement, none of the buses has obtained the required licence and they continue to operate without proper authorisation.
“Foremost, to date, there has not been any application submitted to LPKP Sarawak for the issuance of a School Bus Licence for any of the 12 buses involved in this programme,” he said.
He stressed that obtaining a School Bus Licence is not merely procedural, but a critical safety requirement.
“It must be emphasised that the requirement for a School Bus Licence is not a mere formality, but a critical safeguard for the safety of passengers. Before any licence is issued, the vehicle must undergo proper inspection, the driver must possess a valid Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licence and the vehicle must be adequately covered by insurance,” he said.
Kong also revealed that an accident involving an unlicensed school bus occurred earlier today at Taman Samarindah while transporting students.
Although no serious injuries were reported, he warned that insurance claims could be denied due to the unlawful operation of the vehicle.
“This incident underscores the importance of complying with licensing requirements to ensure the safety of school children,” he said.
He pointed out that hundreds of school bus operators across Sarawak have complied with these regulations and were only allowed to operate after securing the necessary licences, adding that the application process is neither complex nor burdensome.
Kong further highlighted that since November 2023, LPKP Sarawak has implemented the ISPKP system, enabling operators to apply for licences directly without relying on third parties, making the process more efficient and transparent.
“There is therefore no justification for any operator, including those under this initiative, to be exempted from these legal requirements,” he said.
While expressing support for efforts to provide free transportation for students, Kong emphasised that such initiatives must not compromise safety or legal compliance.
He urged See to take immediate steps to ensure that all operators under the programme submit their licence applications without further delay, assuring that LPKP Sarawak stands ready to assist and expedite the process once applications are received.
