How much longer can bailouts continue? The government is hit by yet another possible bailout. What's next? PKFZ? Ports? More companies and individuals?
Hit by escalating cost of operations, stage bus operators nationwide have asked the Government to take over their businesses and liabilities.
Pan Malaysia Bus Operators Association president Ashfar Ali has sent a memorandum to Land Public Transport Commission (LPTC) chairman Syed Hamid Syed Albar proposing that the Government buy over their assets. (and take over their debts)
The association, which comprises members from 130 bus companies operating more than 3,200 buses, said the fares that they collect can no longer cover rising operational costs.
The stage buses ply about 80% of the routes outside the Klang Valley.
Syed Hamid, in his response, admitted that the issues raised were valid and promised to look at the memorandum before meeting the association for further discussions.
The government must take a comprehensive look at the public transport policy. It must come out with a proper system to ensure that while it does not burden the people, public transport providers are able to operate viably.
In the spirit of 1Malaysia's people first agenda, the government cannot ignore the need to revamp and restore the public transport system to world-class standards. A good public transport is essential to positive socio-economic development.
Otherwise, more bailouts will not help to improve the situation. Even if Syed Hamid or the government agree to the bailout, the final say belonged to the people/tax payers. The government had created a precedent by bailing out groups previously and more will come forward with similar proposal in the future. We should not encourage businessmen to treat the government as an insurance policy whenever their business is not doing well.
More burden on the taxpayers will reach a breaking point. I would like to urge the government to take a serious look at the current public transport system or a lack of it and address the problems immediately.