SIBU: Inflation’s relentless ascent can often feel like an anchor weighing down our finances, but amidst this economic tempest, every government intervention becomes a beacon of hope.
The Sarawak government’s initiative to subsidise bus fares here is indeed a boon for the people, particularly those who work remotely in nearby towns and areas around Sibu.
Buses parked at the station.
The heavy burden on Sarawak’s bus commuters is somewhat lightened as they enjoy a flat rate of RM1 for the bus service sector.
Not only that, but both local residents and visitors alike can enjoy substantial savings, especially benefitting the low-income group who frequently travel between these places.
Take, for instance, the Sibu-Mukah sector, covering a distance of 157km. Previously, commuters had to fork out RM22 for a one-way ticket.
Now, it’s only RM1, and to put this into perspective, the cost of fuel for a private car would easily exceed RM20.
This initiative not only makes taking the bus cost-effective but also convenient. These buses have a seating capacity ranging from 28 to 38 passengers, catering to various needs.
Sylvia Sumping, 26, a restaurant waitress, prefers the bus for her trips to her longhouse in Pakan from Sibu.
“I return to my longhouse in Pakan once every month. Even though I have my own car, I prefer not to drive due to the substantial fuel costs. Instead, I opt for the bus, which charges a flat rate of RM1,” she said.
Passengers arriving at the station.
Sylvia emphasises that the journey from Sibu to Pakan takes about 90 minutes, and the savings she accrues by using the bus can be allocated to her daily necessities.
Ani Mupi, 32, a single mother of three young girls, regularly commutes on the RM1 flat-rate bus to visit her children in Bayong, Sarikei.
Ani, who works as a shop assistant at a store here, also praises not only the affordable fare but also the fixed schedule.
“It’s not just the low fare that I appreciate about taking the bus home; it’s also the consistent schedule. The bus strictly adheres to the timetable, making it easy for me to plan my trips,” she said.
Ani also notes that the buses are well-maintained, clean, and the seats are in good condition. She observes that many people support the service, often resulting in fully occupied buses.
Meanwhile, Entily Rimau, 73, a former taxi driver who now operates an e-hailing service near the Jalan Khoo Peng Loong bus transit point, attests to the popularity of these buses.
“I’m here most mornings from 7am, and I see many people using these buses, especially the ones to Sarikei and Bintangor,” he said.
Entily commends the government’s initiative to subsidise bus fares, as it significantly reduces commuting costs for passengers.
Commuters waiting at the bus station.
However, he also expresses hope that the government will consider subsidising essential goods, as prices have skyrocketed, making it challenging for people, especially those with limited means, to make ends meet.
The RM1 flat rate currently applies to several key routes, including Sibu-Belawai (67km), Sibu-Tanjung Manis (57km), Sibu-Sarikei (39km), and Sibu-Mukah (156km).
Other routes included in this special rate are Sibu-Kanowit (56km), Sibu-Bintangor (43km), Sarikei-Selalang (38km), Sarikei-Pakan (44km), and Sarikei-Saratok (37km).
Sarawak Bus Transport Company Association adviser Lau Khing Seng sheds light on the government’s rationale for this fare subsidy.
“The state government aims to promote local tourism through this special fare. We have received subsidies from the state government, allowing us to charge only RM1 for a one-way ticket,” he said.
Lau, with over 50 years of experience in the industry, encourages people to take advantage of these buses to save on transportation costs when compared to driving alone.
“We cannot predict how long this RM1 fare will last; it depends on the public’s response. So far, these buses have been operating near their maximum capacity, which is a positive sign,” he said.
