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Borneo Post
an hour ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Kong: CVLB S'wak to work with DBKU on traffic, parking woes at Kuching Open Air Market
Kong (second right) listens to feedback from the people at the Open Air Market area in Kuching. KUCHING (July 23): Concerns have been raised over the lack of parking and traffic congestion in the Kuching Open Air Market area, said Commercial Vehicle and Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak chairman Michael Kong Feng Nian. He said he received such feedback from business owners during a visit to the Open Air Market earlier today, where he observed ongoing operations of the Kuching initiative. 'Several business owners highlighted the lack of parking spaces and poor traffic management in the vicinity. This situation has been further aggravated by the recent closure of the Saujana Bus Terminal and the adjacent shoplots, which previously provided much-needed parking,' he said in a statement. To address these concerns, Kong said CVLB Sarawak would engage with Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) to explore possible solutions for improving traffic flow and parking availability. On another matter, Kong proposed the establishment of a proper and dedicated interchange for stage buses in Kuching to better support the city's public transport network. He said a well-planned bus interchange would serve as a central hub for stage buses and help create a more efficient and organised public transport system. 'As part of our continuous efforts to improve public transportation in the city, it is crucial for Kuching to have a proper and dedicated bus interchange,' he said. During his visit to the Open Air Market, Kong also walked around the area to engage with traders and business operators, seeking feedback on the impact of the Kuching service. He said he was encouraged by the generally positive response, noting that many local businesses appreciated the increase in foot traffic brought about by the bus service. 'Many have expressed satisfaction, especially noting that the increased foot traffic has brought renewed vibrancy to this part of downtown Kuching, which had seen a decline in recent years,' he added. Kong also encouraged members of the public to provide feedback on the Kuching initiative, which is currently under review. 'CVLB Sarawak is seeking feedback from the public to ensure we continue to serve the community effectively. Your input is invaluable in helping us shape a more reliable, inclusive, and people-friendly public transport system for Kuching,' he added. Feedback can be submitted via an online form available at:
Borneo Post
01-07-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Saujana-SMK Matang Jaya route marks completion of Bas.My Kuching rollout
Kong (centre) and others pose during a stop along the 10th and final route addition. KUCHING (July 2): The Kuching initiative saw the addition of its 10th and final route yesterday with the official launch of the. Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) chairman Michael Kong said the rolling-out of all 10 routes represents a broader shift toward improving urban mobility, and encouraging more Sarawakians to consider public transport as a viable daily commuting option. 'Moving forward, our focus will be on raising public awareness of Kuching and closely monitoring ridership patterns across all routes. 'We fully acknowledge the many requests received from members of the public to extend our services to other underserved areas. Rest assured, these requests are being seriously reviewed,' he said in a statement. At the same time, Kong said routes with persistently low ridership would be subject to reassessment. He emphasised Sarawak CVLB's commitment to ensuring that the limited resources and budget available are put to the most effective use, which may include route adjustments to serve more densely populated or high-demand areas. In conjunction with yesterday's launch, Kong and several officers also visited the new temporary bus hub at the Open Air Market, which now serves as the starting point for all 10 routes. This change follows the closure of the Saujana Bus Terminal due to the ongoing Kuching Urban Transportation System project. After observing that the traffic management of this new bus hub and taking note that this relocation has led to increased traffic congestion in the city centre, he said Sarawak CVLB will be working closely with Kuching North City Commission to identify alternative locations that can better accommodate the operational needs of the city's bus system, while minimising disruption to road users. Kuching Michael Kong public transport
Focus Malaysia
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Focus Malaysia
Main reason why professionalism is lacking in most commercial vehicle operations
IMAGINE a tour company operating a fleet of 75 tour buses, vans and cars from a factory area. Its headquarters also houses a large workshop with in-house mechanics, fitters and cleaners. Are there such tour vehicle operations existing in our country or to be expected in the future? Those observant may notice that buses are mostly parked by the roadside or wherever drivers can find suitable spots. If not outstation, buses are supposed to be parked at the bases stated in the vehicle permit. But they are usually the addresses of operators' offices, not actual bases. As such, I have often described that bus operations in the country are run more like by roadside operators without the facility to house and clean vehicles, and more importantly, for routine maintenance and prompt repairs, which are essential to avoid breakdowns and road accidents. From 1976 to 1992, I was the maintenance manager and later the fleet operations manager of a tour company that operated 75 tour buses, vans and cars, initially from a garage at Jalan Ipoh (renamed Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah) in Kuala Lumpur, before moving to nearby Segambut. That was almost half a century ago, and there had been little or no progress for bus operations in the country, other than a few large companies operating stage and express buses. The rest are more like roadside operators without a base to house, clean and maintain their buses. Hence, it was no surprise that the Road Transport Department (JPJ) has found that 64% of commercial vehicle operators audited during the nationwide Special Operation on Safety Audit System Guidelines (Ops Khas JISA) failed to meet mandatory safety standards. JPJ director-general Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli stated that out of 133 companies inspected, 85 were non-compliant, while only 48 passed. The non-compliant companies constituted 64%, and comprised 43 lorry operators and 42 tour and express bus operators. Why are commercial vehicle operations in our country in such a poor state? This is because the government adopted a policy from the 1970s that included granting many permits to small Bumiputera companies to participate in the business of transporting goods and passengers. As part of the restructuring, the Road Transport Licensing Board (RTLB) was set up to take over the issuance of commercial vehicle permits from the Registrar and Inspector of Motor Vehicles (RIMV). RTLB was renamed Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) in 1987. Later, CVLB's role in peninsular Malaysia was taken over by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) in 2011, which was reduced to Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) in 2018. Since 2011, greater emphasis has been placed on the efficiency of public land transport. But the industry remains fragmented with a large number of small companies, as can be easily seen in express bus operations. These small players lack the resources and passion needed to provide high standards of service that are very safe, efficient and convenient to passengers. ‒ July 1, 2025 YS Chan is master trainer for Mesra Malaysia and Travel and Tours Enhancement Course and an Asean Tourism Master Trainer. He is also a tourism and transport business consultant. The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Focus Malaysia. Main image: NST
Daily Express
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Express
Outside autos limited to 5 days
Published on: Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Published on: Wed, Jun 25, 2025 By: Winnie Kasmir Text Size: Vivian said the coordination represents a notable step toward strengthening the logistics system, particularly in developing land transportation between both Borneo states. - Pic (right) for illustration only. SANDAKAN: Sabah Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Chairperson Vivian Wong said an agreement has been reached covering commercial vehicle licence applications, conditions and related regulations to align policies and eliminate interstate differences that burden operators between Sabah and Sarawak. The agreement follows a recent meeting between Sabah and Sarawak CVLB officials led by Sarawak Chairman Michael Kong Feng Nian in Kota Kinabalu. Vivian said the coordination represents a notable step toward strengthening the logistics system, particularly in developing land transportation between both Borneo states. 'Sabah and Sarawak should collaborate as both are states in Malaysian Borneo. Both CVLB chairpersons have now achieved policy coordination toward this goal, with detailed aspects to be announced by CVLB soon,' Vivian said in a statement, Tuesday. Under the new framework designed to encourage healthy and fair competition, cross-state vehicles will be limited to five days in the other state, with GPS tracking systems monitoring compliance to prevent permit violations. The permits must specify drop-off and pick-up locations, while ports are not permitted as delivery or collection points. Advertisement This initiative is expected to streamline cross-state transportation operations, facilitate standard procedure compliance and improve overall operational efficiency. Vivian, who is also Sandakan MP, said the next phase involves securing cooperation from local manufacturers and companies in Sabah to prioritise local transportation companies, strengthening local industry players while stimulating the supply chain. Sarawak has also decided to implement phased Global Positioning System installation similar to Sabah's system, ensuring uniformity in enforcement and monitoring between both states. The new GPS system will meet safety monitoring standards set by the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research. 'Through more organised and transparent policy implementation, we can not only improve industry professionalism but also provide a safer and more efficient transportation environment for the people,' she said. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
13-06-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Bas.My adds Saujana-Muara Tebas route, enhancing access to Bintawa, tourism spots
(From left) Yong, Kong and others seen on board one of the Kuching buses in this photo, taken after the launch. KUCHING (June 13): The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak has launched a new Saujana-Muara Tebas route under its Kuching initiative, marking another step forward in improving public transport connectivity in the city. According to CVLB chairman Michael Kong, the new route is meant to provide better access to areas that have long needed improved connectivity, particularly Bintawa. 'We see strong potential for this route to benefit Bintawa residents. 'We are also looking into how it can be fine-tuned to better serve communities such as Taman Riverview and PR1MA Bintawa,' he said in a statement today following the launch ceremony, which was also attended by Pending assemblywoman Violet Yong. The route is also expected to attract passengers travelling to local tourism and recreational hotspots such as Bako and Muara Tebas. 'With the rising popularity of these destinations, we are optimistic about the demand for this service,' said Kong. He reiterated LPKP's commitment to improving accessibility, reducing congestion, and providing safe, reliable, and efficient public transport options for all. 'We also welcome feedback from the public to help improve services under the initiative. 'Together, we are shaping a modern and inclusive public transportation system for Kuching,' added Kong. bus routes CVLB Michael Kong Saujana-Muara Tebas violet yong
