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