Kota Kinabalu: The Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Sabah is stepping up enforcement, expanding public bus services, easing licensing procedures and extending financial assistance to transport workers under four key initiatives.
The measures follow a fatal road tragedy in Sepanggar that claimed the lives of a father and his child, prompting the board to adopt a tougher stance on road safety while continuing efforts to improve public transport services and support industry players.
Speaking after chairing the LPKP Sabah Board Meeting on Friday, Chairman Senator Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe said public safety remained the agency’s top priority in the wake of the recent Sepanggar container crash.
“Two innocent lives have been lost. These are not just statistics — they were people with families and futures. Nothing can replace them, and we must ensure this never happens again,” Phoong said.
He explained that Sabah operates under different legal provisions from Peninsular Malaysia, requiring the board to establish its own clear enforcement framework to ensure investigations and penalties, including licence suspensions, can be carried out swiftly against operators and parties that compromise road safety.
“Safety is non-negotiable. We will not tolerate negligence that puts lives at risk. This is not about targeting the industry. It is about protecting responsible operators by removing those who cut corners,” he stressed.
On public transport, Phoong said the BAS.MY “Pink Bus” service had recorded a 208 per cent increase in passenger numbers within just two months, rising from approximately 194,000 passengers in mid-August to 598,054 by October.
He said new route realignments had also been approved to extend service coverage to Luyang Health Clinic, Hospital Likas, Tanjung Aru and Kepayan Ridge following strong public demand.
However, implementation is still subject to final approval from the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance, with Phoong urging the public to remain patient while the necessary contract adjustments are completed.
“People will use public transport when it is reliable and reaches the places that matter — hospitals, schools, workplaces. We are building that system, one route at a time,” he said.
Meanwhile, LPKP Sabah has removed two supporting document requirements for new licence applications, effective immediately, as part of efforts to reduce administrative procedures and speed up the approval process.
The documents no longer required are contract agreements for Carrier A licence applications and bankruptcy status verification for Carrier A and C licence applications.
Phoong said the changes would reduce unnecessary delays for applicants without compromising safety standards or regulatory compliance.
“We make it easier for those who follow the rules, while getting tougher on those who don’t — both reforms go hand in hand,” he said.
In a separate development involving industry welfare, Phoong announced that 1,106 school bus, rental car and taxi drivers had been confirmed eligible to receive a one-off payment of RM1,000 each.
The payments will be presented during a ceremony scheduled for Nov 6, 2026.
A separate session will also be organised in Sandakan for eligible recipients from the east coast, with further details to be announced.
Phoong also expressed his appreciation to Transport Minister Anthony Loke for his continued support for transport workers and the initiatives aimed at improving their welfare.
“Public safety, better transport services, and the welfare of those who work in this industry — all three must move forward together,” Phoong said.