Provide subsidies to Sibu/Song/Kapit route buses

SIBU: The Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (SADIA) has called for subsidies to be given to buses operating on the Sibu/Song/Kapit route due to the high cost of living.
 
Its permanent chairman Munan Laja, said in a press statement today that the current bus fares of RM16 for Sibu-Song and RM22 for Sibu-Kapit are burdensome for passengers, especially those from the remote areas of Kapit division who have already incurred expenses for transportation by longboats and four-wheel-drive vehicles before boarding the bus.
 
He pointed out that in some towns and cities, bus services charge as little as RM1 or even provide free rides.
 
“Hence, we urged the authorities to consider subsidising the buses on the Sibu/Song/Kapit route, especially considering that the majority of passengers belong to the lower-income B40 group.
 
“Transportation in rural Sarawak should be given top priority in the government’s development plan,” Munan stressed.