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Transport Minister Anthony Loke has dismissed claims that Aeroline and other express bus operators are being forced to operate from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS)
Speaking to reporters today, 11 November, Loke said express bus operators have "created the perception" that the government, via the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD), is "forcing" Aeroline and all other operators to only use TBS.
"It is not true that we are forcing them to TBS. They have tried to create that perception. I said no. We are not forcing anyone to go to TBS, but you must operate from a safe area, a licensed area, as a terminal," Loke said after launching Transport Expo Asia 2025.
Loke said the ministry is ready to facilitate licensing for other suitable locations with proper facilities, including shopping malls such as 1 Utama.
Similar arrangements could also be made at Lalaport Bukit Bintang, which has a dedicated bus lane, as well as at IOI City Mall in Putrajaya and other malls with proper facilities.
"What we want to tell Aeroline and any other operator is that everyone must operate from a suitable, licensed, and safe bus terminal.
"The definition of a bus terminal was previously very stringent. We will try to simplify that to help enable more areas to become terminals," he added.
The minister's remarks come after APAD suspended Aeroline for using its own city pick-up and drop-off points, such as Corus KLCC and 1 Utama, instead of relocating to TBS, as directed, sparking public frustration
Commenting on Aeroline's suspension, from 6 November to 5 December, Loke clarified that it was not about restricting convenience but about ensuring safety and regulatory compliance, reported theSun.
"I told them clearly — you have not been following the regulations. The public often looks at it from a convenience point of view, but our priority must also be safety," he was quoted as saying.
"We have to balance between convenience and safety."
According to theSun, representatives from Aeroline had told Loke that they had been operating for 33 years without once meeting a transport minister.
"I told them, you cannot fault me for that. I've only been a minister for three years. The previous ministers didn't meet you, but I took the liberty to hear you out," Loke said.
One major issue discussed was Aeroline's use of roadside stops such as the Corus KLCC in central Kuala Lumpur.
"I told them point-blank — roadside stops are a no-no. However, we are prepared to facilitate operations in areas with proper facilities, such as shopping malls," he said.
Among the proposed approved terminals are 1 Utama in Bandar Utama, where the Transport Ministry has directed APAD to help facilitate licensing, and LaLaport in Kuala Lumpur, which has a dedicated bus lane. Other potential sites include IOI City Mall in Putrajaya and similar commercial centres with suitable infrastructure.
Loke emphasised that the ministry is not forcing operators to use major transport hubs such as TBS or Terminal Bersepadu Gombak (TBG)
He said while bus operators themselves cannot directly apply for terminal licences, the ministry is engaging with shopping malls and building owners to help them obtain approvals from local councils.
"The Transport Ministry is an enabler of economic development — we know our role very well. But we cannot compromise on safety. If an accident happens in front of a shopping mall, the public will blame MOT for allowing it," Loke said.
The minister urged the public to see the issue from multiple perspectives.
"We want convenience, yes, but we must prioritise safety. We are not restricting operators, we are facilitating and balancing both," he said.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
Image via Berita Harian