Malaysia to phase in express bus ticket sales rules
Existing booking platforms can remain in use during the transition, while operators and consumer advocates seek continued choice for passengers.
Malaysia’s Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) will introduce its express bus ticket sales directive in stages rather than enforcing it from November 1 as originally scheduled. In a November 5 statement, the agency said passengers could keep using existing booking platforms until further notice.
The directive channels sales to licensed terminals and online platforms belonging to registered operators. Transport Minister Anthony Loke told the Dewan Rakyat on October 21 that operators’ websites could connect their booking systems to terminal systems. He said the government wanted terminal fees and commissions below those levied by online agents.
MARA Liner chief executive officer Wan Agyl Wan Hassan said improving access and attracting passengers should take priority over limiting sales channels. The company lists six online booking options, alongside terminal counters and authorised agents. He said different channels served different passenger preferences and helped operators promote routes.
The Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations said in an October 29 statement that passengers should remain able to compare operators’ fares, promotions, schedules and services. Its chief executive officer, Dr Saravanan Thambirajah, argued that licensing and oversight could protect consumers without preventing fair competition among platforms.
Terminal Management and Services Sdn Bhd, the TBS operator, said the policy would improve fare monitoring and adherence to approved prices. MARA Liner had sought a delay for further consultation, while Persatuan Pengusaha Bas Ekspres Malaysia wanted restrictions suspended until every terminal was ready.
The Statistics Department put domestic visitor spending at RM121.3 billion in 2025, a rise of 13.6 per cent. Domestic visitor numbers reached 290.1 million, up 11.5 per cent. Those figures encompass all domestic transport modes, not just bus journeys.
