Foreigners Shouldn't Be Allowed To Use Johor's Free Bus Service, Says Johor Youth Group
The state government introduced the service last year in Johor.
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 29 May 2017, 11:44 AM
A Johor-based youth group has slammed the suggestion to make the free bus service in Johor available to foreigners
In a report by Malaysiakini yesterday, 28 May, the group was responding to a statement by DAP's Yong Peng assemblyperson Chew Peck Choo who submitted a proposal at the state legislative assembly saying that foreigners should be allowed to use the free service too.
Gerakan Pemikir Muda's spokesperson, Fikri Allaudin completely opposed the suggestion.
"The proposal does not make sense and is an insensitive one because, she is indirectly questioning the rights and privileges of Malaysians, especially the people of Johor.
"The question is: Will there be other calls for privileges and facilities to be removed if the Yong Peng lawmaker's proposal was implemented? Is the Yong Peng lawmaker trying to bring the concept of equality to Johor?" asked Fikri, as reported by Malaysiakini.
Fikri also lambasted Chew for mentioning the Bas Selangorku programme, which is not exclusive to locals, as a comparison.
"In Selangor, the Bas Selangorku can be used by foreigners. Do we want to squeeze and cram, which can cause safety issues, if we open Bas Muafakat Johor to foreigners?"
After chiding her for this, Fikri asked her to switch her attention and efforts to her constituents instead of foreigners.
The Johor state government launched the free bus service last year to help reduce the living cost of locals and increase the quality of public transportation in the state
To use the service, users will need to apply for a membership card with a yearly fee of:
1. RM10 for adults
2. RM5 for senior citizens (above the age of 60), Orang Kurang Upaya (OKU), and school-going children (between the age of seven to 17)
3. The service is free of charge for children aged six and below.
The buses will go through 15 routes and will pass by places including Johor Bahru, Pasir Gudang, Kulai, Mersing, Muar, Simpang Renggam, Batu Pahat, Kluang, Pontian, Segamat and Kota Tinggi, Tangkak, and Yong Peng.
The bus will come equipped with a CCTV system, GPS, and free WIFI. For more details, check out Bas Muafakat Johor's official site here.