Kuala lumpur: Transport Minister Anthony Loke has clarified that the government is not forcing express bus operators, such as Aeroline, to operate exclusively from the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) or the Gombak Bus Terminal (TBG).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Loke emphasized that operators must function from safe and licensed areas, but they are not restricted to specific terminals.

He explained that the ministry is actively engaging with shopping malls and building owners to assist them in obtaining terminal licenses, stressing that this responsibility does not fall on bus operators. The initiative aims to ensure safety without compromising on tourist convenience, which trade and hotel associations have highlighted as important.

Loke also mentioned that the ministry is open to facilitating operations in legal and safe locations, such as shopping malls with appropriate infrastructure. For instance, there are plans to license One Utama as a bus terminal, easing previous planning permission challenges. Other potential locations, such as Lalaport in Kuala Lumpur and IOI City Mall in Putrajaya, have been identified for their suitable facilities.

The minister highlighted the ministry's broader goal to establish safer and licensed bus terminals across urban areas, rather than confining operators to a limited number of facilities. He reassured that the criteria for defining a bus terminal would be reviewed and simplified to enable more locations to qualify, emphasizing a balance between convenience and safety for the public.