The government is prepared to hear the objections of express bus operators against the requirement for a second bus driver in journey exceeding four hours or 300 kilometres.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai however stressed the dispute should be accompanied with a proposal to ensure the safety of passengers and other road users.
"We do not want them (express bus operators) to only object. I must stress the decision to have a second bus driver by the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) and the ministry are standard practices in many countries.
"Drivers on long-distance trips should be alternated for rest as fatigue can cause them to lose focus," he told reporters after launching the Visit Pahang Year 2017 at the Bentong toll plaza, here today.
Also present were Tourism Pahang general manager Datuk Ishak Mokhtar and Tourism and Culture Ministry state director Idros Yahaya.
Liow was commenting on the objection by Peninsular Malaysia Bus Drivers Association chairman Sa'adan Man who claimed it was difficult to implement the ruling due to a lack of express bus drivers.
The objection was made after Liow announced express bus companies would face a RM200 fine apart from risking their permit being suspended for failing to comply with the ruling.
Liow added the ministry was also prepared to overcome the lack of express bus drivers through courses for new drivers to attract the younger generation into the field.
"The course will be implemented with the cooperation of the Human Resource Ministry as express bus drivers needed professional training on technical aspects.
"Anybody can apply for the course. The course fee will not be too high and they can apply for training fund under the ministry involved," he said.
Liow added the ministry was proposing to upgrade the existing specialised training course for public drivers including bus and lorry drivers to ensure they adhered to safety rules. -- Bernama
Bernama
Sun Jan 01 2017
Liow says the ministry was also prepared to overcome the lack of express bus drivers through courses for new drivers to attract the younger generation into the field. - Filepix
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.