Rapid Kamunting to end service on June 15 after five years of operations

PETALING JAYA: The Rapid Kamunting bus service in Perak, which is operated by a subsidiary of Prasarana Malaysia Bhd (Prasarana), will end its service on June 15,2021 after five years of operations.

Rapid Bus said the move was taken due to funding constraints and low demand for bus services since the beginning of its service.

"Rapid Kamunting's operation was an effort to support economic growth, connectivity and convenience for the people and local residents.

"Rapid Kamunting started operations in March 2016, an initiative under the government's National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS) in collaboration with the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), Taiping Municipal Council and Infrastructure. It provides services on three routes - Route 10 (Taiping Loop), Route 20 (Heritage Loop Trail) and Route 30 (Bukit Jana - Kg Boyan)," it said in a statement Monday (May 31).

Rapid Bus noted that after support and funding from the NCIA ended in February 2019, the local authorities and the state government no longer expressed interest in continuing the Rapid Kamunting service.

"Nevertheless, Rapid Bus has continued its service on its commitment to provide public transport facilities despite continuing to suffer losses," it said.

With the economic impact from Covid-19, Rapid Bus said the Rapid Kamunting had also faced a decline in the number of passengers to only 30%, with daunting challenges to cover operating costs.

“Rapid Bus apologises to Rapid Kamunting's loyal customers around Taiping and Kamunting. It was not an easy decision and it was discussed at the highest level with all our stakeholders.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers for their support and also for the contribution of Rapid Kamunting staff over the years," it said.