Monday July 17, 2006
Penang free to submit proposal
KLUANG: The Penang Government is free to propose for new bus companies to operate on existing routes in order to alleviate public transportation woes plaguing the island.
Entrepreneurial and Co-operative Development Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said his ministry would consider the proposal.
He said the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) was now discussing the matter with the state government, adding that notices had been issued to the three bus companies for failure to follow procedures.
“We cannot terminate their permits as that would leave a vacuum and result in further chaos in the transportation system in Penang,” he told a press conference.
However, he added that it was possible to allow other companies to operate on the same routes.
“We have already told them that if they fail, there would be competition for them,” he said.
Asked if the government would step in to take over the running of the buses, Khaled said the government had to be certain that it had the capability to run the system.
He cited the example of the Federal Government operating bus services directly through Rapid KL.
“Before this system can be implemented in Penang, the government has to look into many aspects, including the high costs involved,” he said.
Khaled added that before permits were issued, the CVLB would first look into the financial strength of the company as well as its expertise in operating the bus service.
“Any company can come in, whether it is supported by the government or not. At the end of the day, the power to approve permits still lies with the CVLB,” he said.
On another matter, Khaled said his ministry would not compromise its stand on the use of the meter system by taxi drivers.
“Those who habitually refuse to use the meters will have their licences revoked,” he said.
Khaled lamented the fact that although the public grumbled about taxies not using the meter, very few actually came forward to lodge complaints.
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