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Popular coach service Aeroline has been suspended for one month, from 6 November to 5 December 2025, following a directive from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD)
APAD has prohibited Aeroline from operating any services under its suspended Operator Licence during the suspension period.
The decision, which the company says it is appealing, has sparked public frustration and reignited debate over how Malaysia regulates city-centre transport services.
Why was Aeroline suspended?
In a notice to passengers, Aeroline said APAD had instructed to halt operations for a month because the bus service continued using its own city pick-up and drop-off points, such as Corus KLCC and 1 Utama, instead of relocating to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) as directed.
"This instruction is related to our continued use of our own service points at Corus KLCC, 1 Utama, and Sunway Pyramid, instead of relocating to TBS as directed," the company wrote, adding that it was appealing the decision.
Aeroline, which runs premium bus services between Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Singapore, also told passengers that affected trips would either be refunded in full or credited for future travel.
The company, which has been operating for over 20 years, expressed "sincere regret" for the disruption and urged passengers to remain calm, even encouraging them to submit appeals and feedback directly through the government's channels.
What's APAD saying?
In a statement yesterday, 2 November, APAD confirmed that the suspension order was issued under Section 27 of the Land Public Transport Act 2010 [Act 715], after Aeroline's parent company, Zulco Sdn Bhd, was found to have repeatedly breached its licence conditions.
According to APAD, Aeroline violated Clause 16 and Clause 19 of the General Terms of Service Level Requirements (KTP) for express bus operators, which require:
- Buses to be parked and operated only at locations approved by local authorities or APAD; and
- Pick-ups and drop-offs to take place only at safe and approved locations.
APAD said that inspections found Aeroline continued to use non-approved locations in the city despite being told to operate from designated terminals.
"The company was found to be operating outside approved terminals without APAD's consent on 3 February, 21 May, and 10 October 2025," the agency said, adding that Aeroline had already been issued three show-cause letters between March and October 2025, to which the company admitted wrongdoing.
Three of Aeroline's express buses — VBR8808, VH8805, and VH8802 — were previously suspended for 30 to 37 days between April and August 2025 for the same offence.
According to APAD, the suspension aims to ensure passenger safety, reduce city-centre congestion, and "support the efforts of local authorities such as DBKL to create an organised and efficient urban environment".
The agency emphasised that it would not compromise with any operator who repeatedly violates licensing rules, warning that further non-compliance could result in licence cancellation.
The decision has sparked backlash among Aeroline's customers, many of whom rely on its city-centre convenience and premium comfort
Passengers flooded Aeroline's Facebook page to express frustration, describing the relocation to TBS as "impractical" and "unnecessary".
One user said he hoped the government would reconsider, stating that the KLCC drop-off is convenient, located in the heart of the city and close to hotels.
Another regular customer called Aeroline his "favourite coach service" and urged APAD to "wake up" to commuters' needs, saying a stop near the city centre is more practical than TBS, which is over 15km from Corus KLCC and almost 20km from 1 Utama.
Several praised Aeroline's strong safety record, saying they trusted the brand for its careful drivers and professional staff, particularly on long-distance routes to Penang and Singapore.
Meanwhile, transport policy experts say the issue extends beyond a single company
According to them, it highlights how Malaysia's "terminal-only" policy for express buses may be outdated in today's modern urban mobility landscape.
Transport consultant Wan Agyl Wan Hassan told the New Straits Times that while APAD was legally correct, its enforcement showed how rigid regulations can clash with evolving city needs.
"Our regulatory system hasn't evolved with urban realities. TBS is 13km from the city core, and passengers often spend nearly an hour just getting to KLCC or Bukit Bintang," he said.
He suggested introducing designated kerbside zones with trained marshals and time-controlled loading areas to maintain safety and order without forcing all operators into a single terminal.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Public Transport Users Association (4PAM) president Ajit Johl said authorities should consider commuter convenience when enforcing terminal rules.
"From a traffic management standpoint, we understand the intent to reduce congestion around KLCC. But TBS is already near capacity, and relocating a high-frequency operator like Aeroline could worsen congestion and reduce efficiency," he said.
According to Ajit, both parties need to find a balanced solution.
Aeroline has operated for over 23 years, offering premium intercity travel between Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Singapore, routes popular among business travellers and families who value its city access and comfort
The one-month suspension will likely disrupt travel plans for thousands of passengers, especially during the year-end holiday season.
For now, Aeroline says it remains committed to working with authorities and hopes to return "with an even better travel experience" once the suspension period ends.
Whether that includes a return to its KLCC and 1 Utama pick-up points remains to be seen, but the public outcry suggests the conversation about Malaysia's bus terminal policy is far from over.
