Kuala Lumpur, Jan 21 — Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the ministry has identified three major shopping malls to serve as public transport hubs, particularly for long-distance bus services between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.
He said the move aims to address the issue of long-distance buses stopping at unauthorised locations, ensuring that bus operations are conducted at safer, more orderly and suitable locations, while also improving passenger comfort and easing traffic congestion in the city centre.
According to him, KL–Singapore bus services have been operating for a long time, but many buses are still picking up and dropping off passengers at unauthorised spots, including Berjaya Times Square and in front of Corus Hotel, both of which are popular locations in central Kuala Lumpur.
He added that over the past few months, the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and the Road Transport Department have carried out enforcement actions and issued notices to affected bus operators, instructing them to relocate to safer and licensed locations.
“After listening to feedback from all parties, we believe these long-distance buses must operate at more appropriate and safer locations, especially at key sites close to the city centre,” he said.
Loke made these remarks at a press conference today after inspecting the Lalaport Transport Hub, located on the LG1 level of Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre.
He said that in addition to the Lalaport Transport Hub, which is expected to begin operations in February next year, other confirmed locations include 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya and IOI City Mall in Putrajaya, while Sunway Pyramid is still under evaluation.
According to him, preparations at Lalaport are nearly complete, and it has the potential to become the first licensed transport hub, particularly for KL–Singapore long-distance bus services. As for the other three locations, existing facilities will need to be upgraded to ensure passenger safety before APAD can issue operating licences.