KOTA KINABALU: Public transport vehicle licence holders in Sabah and Labuan are required to be members of a registered association as a condition for applying for a licence with effect from Jan 1.
Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) chairman Datuk Chin Kim Hiung (pic) said the move was to ensure the distribution of information to public transport vehicle licence holders in a more orderly and effective manner.
"This is important because Sabah CVLB will periodically issue circulars or notices of new regulations or other important information involving public transport in Sabah and Labuan.
"Based on surveys and complaints received, there are licence holders who do not get information issued by Sabah CVLB for various reasons," he said here on Wednesday (Dec 21).
Chin said among them was out-of-date contact information, making it difficult for Sabah CVLB to get in touch with the operators.
He added that this new requirement will ensure that the operators update their records with the latest information.
Each licence holder is required to include proof of their verified membership in these associations in their application form, he noted.
"If they fail to do so, the application will be rejected," he said, adding that the associations must be active and registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS).
Furthermore, each association must represent at least 20% of active licence holders in its respective area or district.
"Associations must submit a membership list together with each commercial vehicle licence reference number, a copy of its registration certificate and a letter from ROS confirming its activity to the Sabah CVLB," Chin said.