SHAH ALAM: Any decision allowing tourist buses to be regulated by the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (Motac) must be approved by the Cabinet, says Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Loke said he had no objection to the proposal.
“Motac has submitted a Cabinet note on this.
“I have no issue with it and also informed the minister, Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing, that I have no objections.
“I told him that if he can guarantee safer tourist bus travel, I am more than happy to surrender it back to his ministry.
“It must, however, be approved by the Cabinet,” he told a press conference here on Friday (June 13).
ALSO READ: Tourism, Transport Ministries to collaborate to improve safety of tour buses
Loke said the implications of the move include its impact on enforcement measures and manpower.
“These matters are also not under my purview as Transport Minister, but that of the Public Service Department when it comes to creating positions,” he said.
“While I have no objections, my conditions are that Transport Ministry enforcement officials cannot be reduced if the move materialises.
“As it is, we already have a lack of hands when it comes to enforcement,” he said, adding that this needs to be discussed at the Cabinet level.
This comes after Tiong urged that his ministry be handed back authority to oversee tourism vehicles and create a safer travelling environment for tourists.
