The safety of students is increasingly jeopardised by the rise of unlicensed school bus services. These illegal operators often disguise their vehicles to resemble legitimate school buses, misleading both enforcement officials and parents and posing significant risks to student safety.
As reported by NST, Farabi Said Al Jabri, a prominent safety advocate, has raised concerns about the lack of a reliable verification platform for parents to check the legitimacy of school bus services. He emphasised that when accidents occur, students using unlicensed services are not covered under public transportation regulations, as these vehicles are classified for personal use. Al Jabri also noted that these unlicensed vehicles typically do not meet the required safety standards and are not subjected to mandatory Puspakom inspections, thereby increasing the risk to students.
The issue is compounded by widespread parental unawareness. Many parents utilise school bus services operated by local drivers without verifying their legality or background. This practice contributes to the persistence of unlicensed services, as it is not always feasible for parents to question the legality of the services provided.
Hanif Yusabra Yusuf, Director of the Road Transport Department (RTD) in Negri Sembilan, highlighted that the demand for such services continues despite regular enforcement efforts. He noted that Seremban and Senawang are particularly problematic areas for illegal school van operations. Unlicensed operators often mimic licensed school buses by painting their vehicles similarly, creating confusion among parents and authorities.
Under the Road Transport Act 1987, specifically Section 23(2), operators of unlicensed school buses face penalties including fines ranging from RM1,000 to RM10,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both. Yusuf urged operators to obtain valid permits from the Land Public Transport Agency to ensure compliance with legal standards. He also advised parents to select school bus services with valid permits to guarantee the safety of their children.
The increasing prevalence of unlicensed school bus services poses a significant threat to student safety. Authorities continue to tackle this issue through enforcement, but it is crucial for parents to remain vigilant and verify the legitimacy of the services their children use.
