More than 1,000 Kelantan school van operators lack permits, says RTD

Kota Baru: Over 1,000 school van operators in Kelantan are working without permits, according to the Road Transport Department (RTD). Each van carries up to 15 students and makes at least four trips per day. Some operators use outdated vans, some more than 20 years old, with some lacking air-conditioning, to boost their earnings.

The RTD uncovered these violations through intelligence gathering and an operation named Ops Kenderaan Perkhidmatan Pengangkutan (KPPA) conducted last Thursday. The operators try to avoid detection by not displaying school van markings and claiming they only transport family members attending school. Today, the RTD issued 20 summonses and seized nine converted vans under Section 64(1) of the Road Transport Act.

The seized vans, all from Kota Baru district, were lacking valid road tax. The department estimates over 1,000 school vans operate without permits due to strong demand, particularly in urban areas. Many owners do not apply for permits because their vehicles are outdated. Despite earning nearly RM10,000 a month, some operators prioritize profit over student safety.

The RTD urges all operators to apply for permits and follow regulations, warning strict action, including vehicle forfeiture, will be taken against repeat offenders. The department plans to intensify inspections and enforcement to ensure compliance with legal requirements and safety standards.