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LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre is expected to receive approval as a licensed public transport hub as early as February, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke
According to Malay Mail, he said the Transport Ministry is working closely with all relevant agencies, including the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), to fast-track the licensing process.
"LaLaport is almost fully ready, and the licence is expected to be issued as early as February. Other proposed locations such as One Utama in Petaling Jaya, IOI City Mall in Putrajaya, and Sunway Pyramid will require more time to complete facility upgrades," he told reporters at a press conference yesterday, 21 January.
In November last year, APAD suspended a popular express bus operator for using unauthorised kerbside pick-up and drop-off points in the city, a practice deemed unsafe and a cause of traffic congestion.
In the meantime, Loke confirmed that express bus operators serving the Kuala Lumpur–Singapore route have been given a three-month grace period to continue operating at existing roadside locations without enforcement action
The temporary measure is meant to give operators time to transition to safer, purpose-built terminals once they are ready.
"At present, only one or two operators have started operating from LaLaport, with another three to four expected to relocate there in due course.
"The primary focus is on operators that previously stopped at Berjaya Times Square and Corus Hotel, both of which have been deemed unsuitable, particularly due to traffic congestion and passenger safety concerns," he said.
Loke added that operators were not forced to relocate to a single hub. Instead, they were given several options, including Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, Terminal Bersepadu Gombak, IOI City Mall, and One Utama.
However, he also stressed that all proposed sites must first meet design, safety, and licensing requirements before they could transition.
"For now, operations at Berjaya Times Square and Corus Hotel are still permitted under a temporary moratorium. Claims of an immediate shutdown are inaccurate.
"Services may continue while new facilities are being completed, but operators will be required to relocate once the hubs are fully operational," he explained.
Loke added that LaLaport would be designated for Kuala Lumpur–Singapore services to attract tourists directly into the city centre, different from the major terminals that focus on domestic long-distance routes.
