SHAH ALAM - School bus operators are urging the government to reinstate the school bus replacement scheme that was previously implemented in 2013, with improvements to include the purchase of used buses to help sustain their businesses.
Malaysian School Bus Associations Federations President Amali Munif Rahmat said operational costs such as vehicle maintenance, insurance premiums and new bus prices have risen sharply, affecting small and medium-sized operators.
He said operators hoped that an announcement would be made in the upcoming 2026 Budget to be tabled by Prime Minister and Finance Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Oct 10.
“Previously, the scheme, which was discontinued in 2014, only allowed the purchase of new buses at RM150,000 and now the price of a bus has reached up to RM1 million.
“This is impossible for most operators. If the scheme is expanded to include used buses under a certain age, it would be more practical and achievable,” he said.
He added that the scheme should offer low-interest loans, rebates such as the RM10,000 previously provided, and a simpler approval process without unnecessary bureaucracy.
Amali added that the scheme should serve as a platform to regularise more than 100,000 unlicensed operators currently running illegally nationwide.
He also called for a review of the current fuel quota, highlighting that monthly fuel costs for a single bus could reach thousands of ringgit.
He questioned why e-hailing drivers are allowed additional fuel quota eligibility while school buses are not, even though they are responsible for the future of the nation’s children.
He further urged operators to register for the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKPS) under the Budi95 initiative, which has been open for registration since Sept 15.
Additionally, Amali appealed to the government to address the steep rise in insurance premiums.
“Starting last month, the minimum premium has increased by nearly 100 per cent, from RM25,000 to RM50,000.
“However, statistics show that accidents involving school buses are very low, not even reaching two per cent annually. The government needs to take action,” he said.
He proposed that the government consider a free school bus scheme funded by local authorities, similar to initiatives by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), the Department of Orang Asli Development (Jakoa) and the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM).
He said that the initiative has already been implemented in Kuching as well as Miri, and if the government is serious about easing the people’s burden, the scheme can be expanded nationwide.
Amali emphasised that school buses remain the safest mode of transport for students as they undergo inspection by the Computerised Vehicle Inspection Centre (Puspakom) every six months and drivers are required to take annual health screenings.
“With the government’s support through proper incentives and assistance, we can continue to provide the best, safest, and highest-quality service for school children in Malaysia,” he said.