Singapore Tour Buses Allowed, But Express Services Remain Off-Limits - Loke

Singaporean tour buses may continue entering Malaysia, but the government is drawing a firm line on what they can and cannot do. 

Transport Minister Anthony Loke told Parliament that these buses are welcome as long as they stick to their role of ferrying tourists and nothing more.

He explained that the current arrangement is a reciprocal one. Malaysian tour buses are allowed to operate in Singapore, and Singaporean tour buses can do the same here. 

The goal, Loke said, is straightforward as the tourist movement benefits both sides. 

“Tour buses bring visitors into the country, which benefits Malaysia, and we do not ban them,” he said.

The problem starts when a tour bus begins functioning like an express service. Selling tickets for scheduled routes is strictly off-limits, and Loke made it clear that enforcement will follow if operators cross that line. 

“But if a tour bus operates as an express bus selling tickets for scheduled routes, that is not allowed and action will be taken,” Loke reminded.

The minister also revealed that Singapore had asked Malaysia to allow its express buses to run here in exchange for similar access for Malaysian operators. But the proposal hit a wall because Singapore doesn’t even have a legal category for express buses. 

“However, Singapore does not have a legal category for express buses. Their system only recognises tour buses and scheduled buses 

“That is why our position remains firm and we will not allow express bus services from Singapore,” he added.

Earlier, Ahmad Marzuk Shaary (PN–Pengkalan Chepa) raised concerns about long-standing safety gaps, pointing to Singaporean tour buses that have been operating in Malaysia for years without Puspakom inspections or meeting local safety standards.

Loke acknowledged the issue and said the ministry is aware that some operators have been exploiting the current system. 

“These operators have taken advantage of the system,” he said, adding that approving express bus permits from Singapore would only undermine Malaysian operators who abide by the rules.