Kelantan’s RM11.2 mil E-Buses Delayed by Technical Glitch

Kelantan’s long-awaited electric bus (e-bus) initiative, Bas.My Kota Bharu is now slated to begin operations next month following a brief delay. The service, operated by Konsortium E-Mutiara Berhad (E-Mutiara), was initially scheduled to launch in July.

E-Mutiara chairman Che Ibrahim Che Ismail clarified that the buses currently running on the Kota Bharu–Meranti–Kota Bharu route are not electric, as reported by some media outlets, but are diesel-powered. He said the initial rollout was postponed by the need to address technical issues before deploying the electric fleet.

Once launched, Bas.My Kota Bharu will serve four primary routes: Kota Bharu to Sultan Ismail Petra Airport via Sabak, Kota Bharu to Panchor through Kemumin and Sabak, Kota Bharu to Pengkalan Chepa, and Kota Bharu to Pantai Cahaya Bulan.

This follows earlier announcements made in April, when it was stated that eight electric buses worth RM11.2 million would be delivered to the state, with the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) tasked with finalising the fare structure.

Che Ibrahim also voiced his support for the newly mandated seatbelt rule for buses, describing it as a timely move to improve passenger safety on public transport.

With the service now expected to start in Aug, there is hope that no further delays will occur and Kelantan will soon see its first full rollout of zero-emission public buses.

Source: The Sun