In a sweeping enforcement move, Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has revoked the special permits of four Singapore-based coach operators—WTS Travel & Tours, Cityline Travel, Luxury Coach, and Leo City Coach—citing unauthorized cross-border activities that violate Malaysian transport regulations.
The action, which took effect between 29 April and 2 May 2025, follows detailed monitoring and investigation efforts by APAD. The operators were found to be offering unauthorized express bus services within Peninsular Malaysia and selling tickets online, a direct breach of the conditions attached to their special permits.
What Happened?
According to an official letter issued by APAD to WTS Travel & Tours Pte Ltd, the company was discovered to have been running unauthorized express bus services between Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. These tickets were sold online—an activity outside the scope of its Special Permit. In addition, WTS was also found not to be using licensed tourist guides registered with Malaysia’s Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), another requirement clearly stipulated in the permit guidelines.
As a result, APAD revoked all Special Permits previously issued to WTS Travel, effective immediately.
The same fate befell Cityline Travel, Luxury Coach, and Leo City Coach, which were found to have engaged in similar activities—selling tickets individually online and operating point-to-point bus services without proper authority.
The Legal Framework
Under Malaysian law, foreign-registered coaches may only operate in Peninsular Malaysia for tour packages that include overnight stays, and the journey must begin and end in the operator’s home country—in this case, Singapore. Operators are prohibited from selling individual tickets for point-to-point routes, such as Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, unless they partner with licensed Malaysian companies and comply with MOTAC regulations.
In addition, foreign coaches must submit complete travel itineraries and passenger lists, and use only registered Malaysian tour guides.
Impact on Travelers and Operators
The revocations have disrupted the plans of many cross-border travelers who rely on these services for convenient travel between Singapore and Malaysian cities like Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands, and Malacca.
Some operators have responded publicly:
- Cityline Travel, based in Singapore’s Chinatown, has announced cancellations and is issuing refunds.
- Luxury Coach, operating out of Orchard Plaza, is offering affected customers alternative arrangements via partner companies or refunds.
- Leo City Coach has stated that it does not sell direct bus tickets but operates only as part of bundled tour packages with hotel stays. It is now seeking clarification from Malaysia’s tourism authorities to resume legal operations.
A Warning to All Cross-Border Operators
This incident serves as a stern reminder that Malaysia’s transport and tourism regulators are closely monitoring cross-border operations. APAD has emphasized that non-compliance with the terms of special permits will result in immediate suspension or cancellation.
Tour operators and travelers alike are urged to ensure that all journeys are conducted through legally approved channels, with full compliance to local regulations.
