(Kuching, 18th) The Sarawak State Legislative Assembly today discussed the issue of using older school buses under the "Sarawak Free School Bus Program," involving vehicle age limits and licensing compliance, sparking controversy.
Datuk Seri Roland Sagah, Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, pointed out during his departmental winding-up speech that all 30 buses used in the program have passed inspections at the computer vehicle inspection center (PUSPAKOM), including five school buses over 30 years old, all certified as roadworthy.
However, Pending Assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen interjected, stating that despite passing inspections, national regulations stipulate that vehicles over 30 years old are not permitted as school buses or public transport vehicles.
He said: "According to these regulations, school buses over 30 years old will not be granted operating licenses. Without a license, if an accident occurs, insurance companies will not compensate the victims."
He subsequently called on the Sarawak government to consider providing financial aid to operators to replace old school buses, arguing that the relevant expenditure would not be excessively large.
In response, Sagah insisted that the vehicles in question had been approved for operation by the relevant authorities, and suggested Chong Chieng Jen consult with Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Chairman Kho Teck Wan, noting that the latter is, in fact, Chong’s “special assistant.”
He said: "They want to use these vehicles, and the authorities have certified, approved, and permitted their use. We are not the decision-makers. I hope the Pending Assemblyman will leave the matter to him to regularize the situation."
"If you think we are wrong, then your own LPKP chairman is 'even more wrong'. Please refer the issue back for handling." he emphasized.
Subsequently, Chong Chieng Jen stood up under Assembly Standing Order 33(2)(p), accusing Sagah of misleading the assembly, and insisted that the five school buses over 30 years old had not been issued operating licenses.
However, Roland Sagah then refused to respond further and proceeded to complete his departmental winding-up speech.
Datuk Seri Roland Sagah, Sarawak Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, pointed out during his departmental winding-up speech that all 30 buses used in the program have passed inspections at the computer vehicle inspection center (PUSPAKOM), including five school buses over 30 years old, all certified as roadworthy.
However, Pending Assemblyman Chong Chieng Jen interjected, stating that despite passing inspections, national regulations stipulate that vehicles over 30 years old are not permitted as school buses or public transport vehicles.
He subsequently called on the Sarawak government to consider providing financial aid to operators to replace old school buses, arguing that the relevant expenditure would not be excessively large.
In response, Sagah insisted that the vehicles in question had been approved for operation by the relevant authorities, and suggested Chong Chieng Jen consult with Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) Chairman Kho Teck Wan, noting that the latter is, in fact, Chong’s “special assistant.”
He said: "They want to use these vehicles, and the authorities have certified, approved, and permitted their use. We are not the decision-makers. I hope the Pending Assemblyman will leave the matter to him to regularize the situation."
"If you think we are wrong, then your own LPKP chairman is 'even more wrong'. Please refer the issue back for handling." he emphasized.
Subsequently, Chong Chieng Jen stood up under Assembly Standing Order 33(2)(p), accusing Sagah of misleading the assembly, and insisted that the five school buses over 30 years old had not been issued operating licenses.
However, Roland Sagah then refused to respond further and proceeded to complete his departmental winding-up speech.