04/02/2026

WEDNESDAY | FEB 4, 2026

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Bus terminal upgrades ticketing for festive rush

Elected mayor proposal only study, says Loke KUALA LUMPUR: DAP secretary general Anthony Loke has urged all parties to stop politicising the proposal to introduce an elected mayor for Kuala Lumpur, emphasising that it remains a feasibility study, not a government policy. Speaking to reporters at TBS yesterday, Loke, who is also Transport Minister, said the proposal is not controversial as it is merely an assessment of whether such a system could work. “This is merely a study on the implementation of the selection or election of the mayor.” He added that electing a mayor is a common global practice and should not be framed as a partisan issue. “I see this as not a DAP issue. Many other parties have proposed it, including former Umno member Khairy Jamaluddin, who recently said at a forum that Kuala Lumpur should have an elected mayor to allow for greater public participation.” “Many MPs in Kuala Lumpur, including those from PKR such as Nik Nazmi, also support efforts to democratise Kuala Lumpur City Hall.” He explained that city hall is a unique local authority, operating differently from city councils in other states, in which councils are appointed by elected state governments. “However, in the case of (city hall), there is no election because it is appointed by the federal government.” He also said the proposal should not be exaggerated, as no changes have been implemented and the study is still in its early stages. “There is no need for any party to politicise the matter. This is only a study. The study would examine the pros and cons, as well as the advantages and disadvantages.” Meanwhile, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh confirmed that the study is being conducted by the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and has been ongoing since December 2025, following a private member’s Bill tabled in the Dewan Rakyat. “There is no need to worry. This study is being conducted by IIUM, a reputable university. I am confident in the quality of their research,” she told reporters in Putrajaya after signing a Note of Collaboration between the Federal Territories Department and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission. She added that once the study is completed, the Cabinet would review its findings before deciding on its suitability for implementation. – By Harith Kamal Recently, during a podcast session published by an English-language radio station, Nanta used the term “divorce” while discussing Sarawak’s position within Malaysia. The statement drew criticism from several Sarawak political leaders and political observers, who described it as inappropriate and unconstructive. – Bernama

o Operators also instructed to enhance facilities

Ű BY HARITH KAMAL newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR: The Southern Integreated Bus Terminal (TBS) is bracing for a tidal wave of passengers this Chinese New Year, with Transport Minister Anthony Loke estimating 30,000 to 40,000 travellers per day and about 1,000 express bus trips daily during the peak period. He said to ease congestion and improve travel efficiency, TBS has rolled out several upgrades, including QR code ticketing to cut down queuing and enhanced facilities to boost passenger comfort. “The measures are designed to minimise congestion and make travel safer and smoother during the festive rush.” Previously, passengers who bought tickets via online travel agents (OTA) or at ticketing terminals had to queue at TBS to exchange their QR codes before boarding. “The government, through the Land Public Transport Agency, has now mandated that all OTA selling express bus tickets must integrate QR codes directly into the tickets. “From this month onwards, passengers buying tickets via OTA would no longer need to exchange QR codes at the terminal.” Those who purchased tickets earlier without QR codes can now generate them online via the TBS website, removing the need to queue. The code acts like a boarding

Loke surveying preparations for Chinese New Year at TBS. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

facilities following complaints about non-functioning escalators, lifts and unclean restrooms. “Maintaining basic service standards is non-negotiable. “Passengers pay service charges and expect a clean, comfortable environment, and that is what we must deliver.”

feedback revealed that certain travellers believed showing a ticket alone was enough to board. “But the system at TBS requires a QR code to access the departure gates. The online system is intended to simplify the process for everyone.” In addition, TBS operators have been instructed to upgrade terminal

over the holiday period. Under the campaign theme “Drive Safely, Arrive Safely”, the ministry is also rolling out a series of educational and advocacy initiatives, including road safety exhibitions, awareness talks, distribution of safety materials and joint efforts with partner agencies and the media. The ban affects: 0 Heavy trucks over 7,500kg, low-loader trucks, pole trailers, platform trailers, logging trucks, wheeled heavy machinery (except pass, granting access to departure gates designed similarly to airport boarding areas. A nominal RM1 fee applies for operational purposes. “Some counters would still be available at TBS to assist passengers without QR codes, but we aim to reduce reliance on them.” Loke emphasised that public

Transport Ministry to impose road bans on heavy vehicles KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry is clamping down on heavy goods vehicles this Chinese New Year, imposing road bans from Feb 14 to Feb 15, and Feb 21 to Feb 22 to ease traffic and reduce potential crashes during the festive rush. emergency vehicles) and tractors. 0 Trucks carrying construction materials such as cement, steel, sand, soil, stones, tin, ores and other mining products. cargo trucks and trucks carrying palm oil and rubber. 0 6pm to 6am within 25 km of construction sites: Mobile cranes and concrete mixer trucks, with operational limits applied.

0 Container and cargo trucks, with exceptions for intra-state industrial deliveries from ports or airports. 0 Trucks transporting palm oil, rubber and similar commodities. Time-specific restrictions are also in place: 0 8pm to 8am: Container trucks,

The ministry and RTD have urged all drivers to plan their journeys carefully and adhere strictly to the bans. Road users are reminded to obey traffic regulations, ensure vehicles are roadworthy and manage travel plans to avoid congestion and crashes. – By Harith Kamal

In a statement, it said the restrictions, enforced by the Road Transport Department (RTD), form part of the ministry’s special operations for Chinese New Year 2026, targeting safer roads for public service vehicles and motorcycles

Minister clarifies ‘divorce’ remark made during podcast KUALA LUMPUR: Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has clarified that the term “divorce” he used during a podcast last week was not politically motivated but a spontaneous allusion intended to urge all parties to stop arguing and return to living in harmony. should be understood in their full context and not interpreted literally or exploited as political polemics. He explained that the expression was meant as an allusion to encourage all parties to focus on improving the country’s economic management and public wellbeing rather than engaging in disputes. “I never intended to say that we want to ‘divorce’. It was merely an expression to call for harmony, peace and a focus on what could be done to improve the lives of the public. “I also mentioned that I want to protect Malaysia. That was the main point. However, some chose to highlight other parts. Everyone is free to interpret it in their own way.” He added that some viewed his The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) secretary-general said his remarks

remarks as political capital, but emphasised that he spoke spontaneously. Nanta, who is also Kapit MP, was responding to criticism of the “divorce” remark at the handover ceremony of the Letter of Acceptance for the Sibu Prison Construction Project at the Public Works Department headquarters yesterday.