Buses play a major role in the public transport of Malaysia, as well as seeing extensive private use. While rail transport has increased over the recent years due to road congestion, the same does not apply to buses, which have generally been used less in most of the area.
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Buses, buses are a key part of Malaysia and the country's effort to improve the public transportation in the 13 states in the country. Even though rail and smaller vehicle transport has increased in recent years the buses have slowly been used more in many areas.
Today, bus service provision for public transport in Malaysia is regulated by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).
In Malaysia, the most common types of buses used are single-decker buses, double-decker buses, and midi buses. Single-decker buses, also known as city buses, are designed to operate within urban areas and are mostly used for short to medium-length journeys. Double-decker buses, on the other hand, are mainly used for longer journeys, such as intercity travel, and offer greater capacity with their upper decks. Midi buses, which are smaller than full-sized buses but larger than mini buses, are also commonly used in Malaysia. [1] They are ideal for routes with lower passenger demand and narrow roads. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in eco-friendly public transportation, and Malaysia has been introducing electric buses and hybrid buses as well. As of 2021, the Malaysian government plans to launch a pilot program to introduce hydrogen fuel cell buses in Kuching, Sarawak. [2] These buses produce zero-emission and are expected to improve air quality in urban areas.
Aside from normal urban and inter-urban services, bus transport in Malaysia also has a number of niche uses:
Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) is a high-capacity, high-frequency bus-based public transportation system that has gained popularity in many countries as a cost-effective alternative to traditional light rail systems. BRT systems typically have dedicated lanes, independent stations and high-capacity buses that provide a reliable and efficient service to commuters.
In Malaysia, BRT has become an alternative to light rail proposals due to cost considerations. Currently, only one BRT system in Malaysia, which is the BRT Sunway Line, which serves as a feeder service to the existing rail network in Klang Valley. Sunway BRT services the southeastern suburbs of Petaling Jaya, Selangor and is the world's first all-electric system. [3] [4]
Other cities in Malaysia that have plan to implemented BRT systems include Johor Bahru, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. The BRT system in Johor Bahru, also known as the Iskandar Malaysia BRT, is part of a larger public transportation network that also includes the RTS Link. It will consist of trunk, direct, and feeder bus rapid transit corridors. [5] The BRT Kota Kinabalu and BRT Kuching were planned to provide a reliable and efficient service to commuters in the city centre in both cities. [6] [7]
Private buses are commonly used in Malaysia for various purposes such as charter services, school transportation and company employee transportation. For example, charter bus Service is offered by Rapid Penang that provides reliable and affordable transportation options for schools, companies or anyone. The service charges are based on the duration of the service or mileage, ranging from RM 600 to RM 1600. [8] Private buses are commonly used for holiday travel as well, with many companies offering tour packages that include transportation by private bus.
Private buses used for holiday travel in Malaysia are typically equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seating, and often have on-board entertainment systems. They are used for a variety of tours, including city tours, nature tours, and cultural tours. For example, Hop-On Hop-Off concept open top bus is available in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. [9] [10] Private buses can be rented for exclusive use by tour groups, providing flexibility and convenience to the group.
Bus services in Malaysia are primarily operated by private companies, with a few community-based or not-for-profit entities and local authority-affiliated companies also in operation.
The largest stage bus operator in Malaysia is the government-owned company Prasarana Malaysia Berhad, which operates a number of stage bus services under the subsidiary of Rapid Bus in several regions such as the Klang Valley, Greater Penang and Kuantan. Other major stage bus operators in Malaysia include Causeway Link (mainly in Johor Bahru), PerakTransit and Panorama Melaka. The federal government also has established the Interim Stage Bus Support Fund (ISBSF) to help cover the daily operating costs of other stage bus operators, especially in rural areas, who have incurred losses due to unprofitable routes. This initiative was created to ensure that small bus companies do not terminate their services and continue to operate in rural areas. [11]
| States | Service areas | Stage bus operators | Bus Terminal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perlis | Perlis | MyBas (MARA Liner) | |
| Kedah | Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) | MyBas (MARA Liner), UUM | university shuttle bus |
| Alor Setar, Padang Terap | HBR, MARA Liner [12] | Shahab Perdana | |
| Sungai Petani | Tanjung Mewah | ||
| Intercity routes | MARA Liner | ||
| Rapid Penang | |||
| Penang | Penang | Rapid Penang [13] | Weld Quay, KOMTAR, Bukit Jambul, Sungai Nibong, Penang Sentral, The Summit, Dato Kailan |
| Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) | USM (Unic Leisure) [14] | university shuttle bus | |
| Bukit Mertajam | Lean Hock | The Summit | |
| Perak | Ipoh, Gopeng, Seri Iskandar | MyBas (PerakTransit) [15] | Medan Kidd |
| Kuala Kangsar, Lenggong, Gerik | PerakTransit [15] | ||
| Manjung, Beruas | |||
| Batu Gajah | |||
| Teluk Intan, Kampung Gajah | Teluk Intan | ||
| Kampar, Tapah | PerakTransit, Hup Soon | Kampar | |
| Sungai Siput | Bas Perak Sejahtera (PerakTransit) | Sungai Siput | |
| Taiping | Red Omnibus, Bas Perak Sejahtera (PerakTransit) | Taiping, Kamunting [16] | |
| Blue Omnibus | Terminal Taiping | ||
| Pantai Remis, Manjung, Sitiawan, Lumut, Simpang, Terong, Changkat Jering, Kuala Sepetang, Matang | Blue Omnibus | Terminal Taiping, Seri Manjung Bus Station, Lumut Bus Station | |
| Parit Buntar | Rapid Penang | ||
| Sungkai, Bidor | Hup Yik | ||
| Bagan Datuk | MARA Liner | ||
| Kelantan | Kota Bharu, Tumat, Pasir Mas, Bachok, Machang, Kuala Krai, Gua Musang | Mutiara Rentas Desa [17] | |
| Terengganu | Kuala Terengganu, Marang, Hulu Terengganu | MyBas (MARA Liner) [18] | |
| Pahang | Kuantan | Rapid Kuantan [19] | Kuantan Sentral |
| Raub | Central Pahang | ||
| Selangor | 12 cities and municipalities | Smart Selangor | Klang Sentral, Banting, Rawang |
| Klang Valley | Rapid KL (including MRT and LRT Feeder bus) | Bandar Utama, Wira Damai, Sri Nilam (Bandar Baru Ampang), Terminal Kajang | |
| Rawang, Hulu Selangor | MARA Liner | Rawang, Bukit Sentosa, Kuala Kubu Bharu | |
| Kuala Selangor, Bestari Jaya | Selangor Bus (Causeway Link) | Kuala Selangor | |
| Puchong, Port Klang | Handal Ceria (Causeway Link) [20] | Port Klang | |
| Klang, Banting, Kuala Selangor | Wawasan Sutera | Klang, Banting | |
| Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) | UPM [21] | university shuttle bus | |
| Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) | UKM [22] | university shuttle bus | |
| Sungai Besar | PerakTransit [15] | ||
| Federal Territories | Kuala Lumpur | Rapid KL [23] | Pasar Seni, Titiwangsa, Maluri, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan |
| DBKL (Go KL City Bus) [24] | |||
| Universiti Malaya (UM) | UM [25] | university shuttle bus | |
| Putrajaya | Nadi Putra (Rapid KL) [26] | Putrajaya Sentral, Kompleks E | |
| KR Travel and Tours | Putrajaya Sentral | ||
| Negeri Sembilan | Seremban, Bahau | Khidmat Rakyat (NS state government free bus) | Terminal 1, Bahau |
| MyBas (City Liner) | |||
| Port Dickson | Port Dickson | ||
| Rembau, Tampin | Rentas NS (MARA Liner) [27] | ||
| Melaka | Melaka | Panorama Melaka (Causeway Link) [28] | Melaka Sentral |
| Masjid Tanah | MARA Liner | ||
| Johor | 15 cities and municipalities | Bas Muafakat Johor [29] | |
| Muar | Mayang Sari | Bentayan | |
| Batu Pahat, Kluang | Johore Motor Bus, Causeway Link | Batu Pahat, Kluang | |
| Iskandar Malaysia [30] (Johor Bahru, Kulai, Pontian, Kota Tinggi) | MyBas (Handal Indah Causeway Link) | Larkin Sentral, JB Sentral, Gelang Patah, Taman U, Kulai, Kota Tinggi | |
| Transit Link (Causeway Link) | |||
| Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) | UTM Fleet [31] | university shuttle bus |
Express bus services are one of the most convenient ways to travel across Malaysia, where there are over a hundred bus companies. These bus companies offer different routes, schedules, fares and booking procedures. Among these bus companies, several popular bus operators are preferred by both locals and tourists alike.
Transnasional, established in 2007, offers several routes throughout Malaysia, with a fleet of nearly 1,500 buses. The company offers coaches ranging from standard to business and executive class. Mayang Sari Express was founded in 1993 and now has a fleet of over a hundred buses. They offer trips from Johor to Alor Setar and Johor to Pulau Pinang, among other routes. The company provides luxury coaches at competitive prices. KKKL Express began services in 1983.
These popular bus companies in Malaysia offer a range of services that cater to the needs of different passengers. They offer convenient and hassle-free booking, with several online booking options available. The coaches in their fleet are comfortable and equipped with modern amenities, ensuring that passengers enjoy a smooth and comfortable journey. [32]
Bus manufacturing in Malaysia is dominated by foreign companies with few domestic manufacturers. However, there have been some local players in the market, including DRB-HICOM Bhd, which manufactures buses through its subsidiary, HICOM Automotive Manufacturers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
Foreign manufacturers such as Scania, Volvo and Mercedes-Benz are among the major players in Malaysia's bus manufacturing industry. Scania has been manufacturing buses in Malaysia since the 1970s and has a significant market share in the country. Volvo, through its Malaysian subsidiary, Volvo Malaysia Sdn Bhd, also manufactures buses locally.
There has been a push towards electric buses in Malaysia, with several companies, including Scania and Volvo, introducing electric bus models in the country.
In Malaysia, bus subsidies are an important part of the government's efforts to promote public transportation and reduce traffic congestion. One notable initiative is the My50 monthly bus pass, which allows unlimited travel on Rapid KL, MRT and BRT services for only RM50 per month. It was introduced by the Federal Government under the Penjana Economic Recovery Plan in June 2020 as the My30 unlimited travel pass until December 31, 2021. This has been a popular program in the Klang Valley and similar initiatives have been implemented in other states, such as Penang with the Mutiara Pass. [33] Cross-strait bus service (which is known as CAT Bridge) also available to provide bus services between Penang Island and Seberang Perai, and operated at free during working days. [34]
In addition to the unlimited pass program, there have been other subsidies and incentives aimed at encouraging the use of buses. Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) was established by the government in 2015. In these states, SBST aims to improve existing bus services by providing better routes, schedules and vehicles. The initiative also includes the introduction of cashless payment systems and the integration of bus services with other modes of public transportation. This program is active in Kangar, Seremban, Ipoh, Kuala Terengganu and Johor Bahru. [35]
Smart Selangor bus service, which is a state-funded bus service funded by the Selangor state government. The service was launched in 2018 as part of the state government's efforts to improve public transportation and reduce traffic congestion in the region. The service is operated by private bus operators under contract with the state government and covers 12 cities and municipalities in Selangor, including Petaling Jaya, Shah Alam, Klang and Subang Jaya. The Smart Selangor bus service features a number of modern amenities and technologies aimed at improving the comfort and convenience of passengers. All buses are equipped with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and GPS tracking systems, which allow passengers to track the location of their bus in real-time through a mobile app. In addition, the buses are wheelchair-accessible and equipped with CCTV cameras for enhanced security. [36]
To encourage the use of public transportation, the Smart Selangor bus service offers affordable fares and various ticketing options, including cashless payment methods using CePAT apps for non-Malaysians, while Malaysians are excluded from paying the fares. [37] The service also offers a variety of route options that connect to other modes of public transportation, such as rail and bus interchanges and also public amenities including government hospitals, schools and commercial area.
Selangor, also known by its Arabic honorific Darul Ehsan, or "Abode of Sincerity", is one of the 13 states of Malaysia. It is on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and is bordered by Perak to the north, Pahang to the east, Negeri Sembilan to the south, and the Strait of Malacca to the west. Selangor surrounds the federal territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, both of which were previously part of it. Selangor has diverse tropical rainforests and an equatorial climate. The state's mountain ranges belong to the Titiwangsa Mountains, which is part of the Tenasserim Hills that covers southern Myanmar, southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia, with Mount Semangkok as the highest point in the state.
Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) or Malayan Railways Limited, colloquially referred to simply as KTM, is the main rail operator in Peninsular Malaysia. The railway system dates back to the British colonial era, when it was first built to transport tin. Previously known as the Federated Malay States Railways (FMSR) and the Malayan Railway Administration (MRA), Keretapi Tanah Melayu acquired its current name in 1962. The organisation was corporatised in 1992, but remains wholly owned by the Malaysian government.
Touch 'n Go is a contactless smart card system used for electronic payments in Malaysia. The system was introduced in 1997 and is widely used for toll payments on highways, public transportation, parking, and other services. The card is equipped with a radio-frequency identification (RFID) chip that allows users to make payments by simply tapping the card on a reader device. Touch 'n Go cards can be reloaded with funds either online or at designated reload kiosks. The system has become a popular and convenient way for Malaysians to make cashless transactions.
The North–South Expressway is a network of tolled controlled-access highways running through the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The expressway network consists of the northern route and southern route, having a total length of 772 kilometres. Running through seven states and connecting the Thailand and Singapore borders, the North–South Expressway is an important thoroughfare for local, interstate and international traffic. The expressway is part of route AH2, a designation of the Asian Highway Network.
Rapid KL is a public transportation system owned by Prasarana Malaysia and operated by its subsidiaries Rapid Rail and Rapid Bus. The acronym stands for Rangkaian Pengangkutan Integrasi Deras Kuala Lumpur, which translates to Kuala Lumpur Rapid Integrated Transport Network. Rapid KL is part of the Klang Valley Integrated Transit System with its coverage throughout Kuala Lumpur and Selangor's satellite cities in Klang Valley areas, included 204.8 km (127.3 mi) of metro railway and 5.4 km (3.4 mi) of BRT lane as of December 2023.
Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana) (English: Malaysian Infrastructure Limited) is a 100% government-owned company which was set up by Ministry of Finance (Malaysia) as a corporate body established under the Minister of Finance (Incorporation) Act 1957 to own the assets of multi-modal public transport operator in Malaysia, under the government's move to restructure the city's public transport system. It is one of the largest public-transport companies in Malaysia other than Konsortium Transnasional Berhad. As a government-owned company since 1998, it operates stage bus and light metro services via several wholly owned subsidiaries.
Rail transport in Malaysia consists of heavy rail, light rapid transit (LRT), mass rapid transit (MRT), monorails, airport rail links and a funicular railway line. Heavy rail is mostly used for intercity services and freight transport as well as some urban public transport, while rapid transit rails are used for intracity urban public transport in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur and the surrounding Klang Valley region. There are two airport rail link systems linking Kuala Lumpur with the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport. The longest monorail line in the country is also used for public transport in Kuala Lumpur, while the only funicular railway line is available in Penang.
Rapid Bus Sdn Bhd is the largest bus operator in Malaysia operating mainly in urban areas of Klang Valley, Penang & Kuantan. As of February 2023, Rapid KL service brands unit of Rapid Bus, has operates 113 normal routes and also 69 MRT Feeder Bus routes, along with 8 Nadiputra routes in Putrajaya.
Transport in Greater Kuala Lumpur includes a road network, a railway network, airports, and other modes of public transport. Greater Kuala Lumpur is conterminous with the Klang Valley, an urban conglomeration consisting of the city of Kuala Lumpur, as well as surrounding towns and cities in the state of Selangor. The Klang Valley has the country's largest airport, the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), as well as the country's largest intermodal transport hub and railway station, Kuala Lumpur Sentral.
Firefly is a low-cost carrier subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines that offers flights within Malaysia, as well as to Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. Firefly operates from its main hub at Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Subang and Penang International Airport, as well as its secondary hub at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. The airline's first flight was on 3 April 2007, from Penang to Kota Bharu. The company slogan is Beyond Convenience.
The Iskandar Malaysia Bus Rapid Transit (IMBRT) is a proposed bus rapid transit system to be built in and around Iskandar Malaysia, Johor, Malaysia. It will consist of trunk, direct, and feeder bus rapid transit corridors.
Rapid Penang is a public bus brand in the State of Penang, Malaysia. Formed as a subsidiary of Prasarana Malaysia in 2007, to date it is the main public transport operator within Penang; its bus network serves commuters within Greater Penang, including the neighbouring towns in Kedah and Perak.
The State of Penang in Malaysia, home to the country's third largest city as well as part of Malaysia's second most populous conurbation, has a relatively well-developed transport infrastructure. The city-state is well-connected by land, air and sea; the Penang International Airport is one of Malaysia's busiest, while the Port of Penang is the main harbour and transshipment hub within northern Malaysia. The North–South Expressway, the main highway along western Peninsular Malaysia, runs through Penang, while the two geographically separate halves of the state are now linked by two bridges and a ferry service.
Konsortium Transnasional Berhad (KTB) (MYX: 4847) is one of the largest public bus operator in Malaysia. The company provides services of stage buses and express buses covering all major cities and towns in Peninsular Malaysia as well as routes to Singapore. KTB debut on Bursa Malaysia on 15 June 2007.
The city of Seremban, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia is linked by rail from KTMB's Seremban station to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and the coastal town of Port Dickson, and has a commuter rail network. It lacks its own airport and is served by the nearby Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Local and longer-distance bus services use a bus station at Terminal 1 Bus Terminal and Shopping Centre, Negeri Sembilan's primary transportation hub. Major roads include Federal Route 1, Federal Route 51, Federal Route 86, Federal Route 366, North–South Expressway Southern Route (E2), Kajang-Seremban Highway (E21), Seremban-Port Dickson Highway (E29), and the Seremban Inner Ring Road (SIRR). The major streets in the city have been renamed since colonial days.
Iskandar Malaysia, formerly known as Iskandar Development Region (IDR; Malay: Wilayah Pembangunan Iskandar) and South Johor Economic Region (SJER), is the main southern development corridor in Johor, Malaysia. It was established on 8 November 2006. Iskandar Malaysia, which is formed by major cities such as Johor Bahru, Iskandar Puteri and Pasir Gudang, is part of the Johor Bahru Conurbation. It also lies within the original Indonesia–Malaysia–Singapore growth triangle, along with Singapore and Riau, Indonesia.
The Malaysian Expressway System is a network of national controlled-access expressways in Malaysia that forms the primary backbone network of Malaysian national highways. The network begins with the Tanjung Malim–Slim River tolled road which was opened to traffic on 16 March 1966, later North–South Expressway (NSE), and is being substantially developed. Malaysian expressways are built by private companies under the supervision of the government highway authority, Malaysian Highway Authority.
The BRT Sunway Line is a bus rapid transit (BRT) line that is part of the Klang Valley Integrated Transit System servicing the southeastern suburbs of Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. It is the world's first all-electric Bus Rapid Transit system.
Pengangkutan Awam Putrajaya Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd dba Nadi Putra is the city bus operator in Putrajaya, the administrative capital of Malaysia, mainly serving Putrajaya city and nearby resident areas. Originally established as an agency of Putrajaya Corporation under the Ministry of Federal Territories, it was privatised in 2018.
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