SEMPORNA: The Government has been urged to consider introducing a dedicated “Pink Bus” service for school students in Semporna to address transportation issues and enhance pupil safety in the district.
Muafakat Mara Malaysia Executive Committee Member (Borneo Affairs) Aldam Abdullah (pic) said the facility would ensure better access to education, particularly for less fortunate parents, as it is both affordable and convenient.
He said the proposal is crucial given Semporna’s geographical layout, comprising villages, interior areas and islands, which presents its own set of transport challenges.
“Providing dedicated Pink Buses for school students can also assist pupils who currently have to walk long distances or rely on unsuitable transport to get to and from school.
“A safer, more organised and scheduled transport service will reduce safety risks faced by students during their daily commute,” he said.
Aldam added that beyond safety, the service could help tackle school attendance issues, especially for pupils who struggle to secure daily transportation.
He said transport difficulties are among the factors affecting attendance and, in the long run, potentially contribute to student dropouts.
“With Pink Buses operating on suitable routes and schedules, students in hard-to-reach areas can attend school more consistently,” he said.
Elaborating further, he said the proposal also takes into account the financial burden borne by low-income parents to cover daily school transport costs.
He said low-income families and those with multiple school-going children would benefit significantly if the service were provided free of charge or at affordable fares.
At the same time, he noted that the Pink Bus initiative holds potential to create equal educational opportunities for all students, regardless of family background or residential location.
“To ensure this facility reaches the intended target group, we propose that the Pink Bus service prioritise students who are genuinely in need.
“This includes students from low-income families, those living far from school, pupils in interior and island areas, as well as those facing daily transport difficulties,” he added.
