Cover image via New Straits Times
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Thousands of Malaysians working in Singapore were forced to walk across the Causeway this morning, 21 July, after about 100 cross-border bus drivers went on strike over drastic salary cuts
The strike started as early as 5am, just as the morning rush began, causing massive queues at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) bus terminals and bus stops across Johor Bahru heading into Singapore, according to Berita Harian.
With no buses in sight, many commuters ended up walking the 1.05km across the Causeway just to avoid being late for work.
"We were all stunned to see the bus queues stretching endlessly," said Munir Selamat, a 34-year-old restaurant worker in Singapore.
"We were confused, only to be told the drivers had gone on strike. Eventually, we had no choice — everyone just started walking," he was quoted as saying.
One of the striking drivers said they downed tools after a recent salary restructure slashed their take-home pay
According to him, their monthly wages dropped — despite rising living costs — from around RM2,800 to below RM2,000, following changes implemented two months ago.
At the same time, their employer reportedly increased the number of compulsory trips and introduced unclear pay deductions, which the drivers say amount to unfair treatment.
"The new system just doesn't make sense. It cuts deep into our earnings, and with extra trips and unclear deductions, many of us decided enough is enough," he said.
"The new system just doesn't make sense. We're working more for less money, and with cost of living going up, this is unsustainable," he added.
To make matters worse, the bus operator failed to post any official notice online about the disruption
Many commuters only found out after arriving at BSI and seeing the chaos unfold.
Johor Public Works, Transport, and Infrastructure committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh has since met with the bus company and drivers in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, reported the New Straits Times.
By around 10.30am, a handful of drivers had reportedly resumed service, but many others remained off duty.
Clips and photos showing waves of Malaysians crossing into Singapore on foot have gone viral on social media, with many calling for better working conditions for the drivers who power the daily cross-border commute.
