BUILT in 2003 and officially opened on April 18, 2005, Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal is owned by the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
On Sept 1, 2021, MBPP appointed Easybook (M) Sdn Bhd, an online ticketing platform, to manage and operate the terminal, a role it continues to undertake today.
In 2024, RM7mil was spent on upgrading works, including the construction of an additional building equipped with a lift and escalator to serve as the arrival area and main lobby.
The project also involved rearranging commercial spaces and kiosks on the first floor, as well as renovation works.
More than 10 bus operators currently operate from Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal between 7am and 1am, with buses arriving from across the country and Singapore.
Easybook is understood to be the country’s largest integrated online ticketing operator, serving the majority of express bus operators.
Customers can book tickets through its application before boarding the bus at the terminal, though help is available for those unable to do so, such as senior citizens, on the first floor.
A person in charge of the management of the terminal, who did not want to be identified, said previously, express bus operators had individual booths and sold their tickets on the first floor.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, many operators shut down and ticket sales eventually became centralised online.”
He also said Easybook plans to improve the terminal with better amenities including air-conditioning the first-floor waiting area.
When asked about the building’s rundown appearance and lack of clear signage, he said some staff were put on standby to guide passengers.
“The place is not ideal, but it is convenient for passengers.
“Even when we make tweaks to the facilities, we have to obtain clearance from the local council,” he said.
On the safety aspects at the terminal, he said security personnel had been stationed.
“We are installing a licence plate recognition system to enhance safety.
“We are constantly working to improve safety as people wait for buses late into the night, but it is not feasible for us to carry out major upgrades,” he said.
Penang island mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said MBPP had continuously monitored the current condition and needs of Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal.
The terminal is currently classified as a Grade B terminal for licensing purposes under Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), he said.
“Should there be a proposal to upgrade the terminal to Grade A in the future, the facilities and infrastructure would need to be upgraded to meet APAD’s requirements and conditions.
“The current building is more than 20 years old.
“Maintenance and repair works have been carried out from time to time based on the building’s physical condition and operational requirements,” he said.
MBPP, he said, conducted periodic inspections of the terminal at least four times a month, or as required, to ensure the building and its facilities were properly maintained.
“Periodic inspections and follow-up actions are carried out based on complaints received from users.
“Complaints regarding damage are referred to the management company for immediate repairs, as this falls under its scope,” he said.
Rajendran said MBPP had not received any official application from the management or current operator to carry out structural alterations or upgrade works to the lift.
“Periodic maintenance, monitoring and operation of the lifts at the terminal are managed by the terminal management,” he said.
