{
  "id": 15119222,
  "title": "Loke: We cannot stop foreigners from using public buses, but all passengers must comply with rules",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/loke-we-cannot-stop-foreigners-from-using-public-buses-but-all",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-17T04:33:05.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/10/17/loke-we-cannot-stop-foreigners-from-using-public-buses-but-all-passengers-must-comply-with-rules/239435"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Transport Minister Anthony Loke clarified today that foreigners are not barred from using public buses in Penang, stating that public transport is accessible to all. During a press conference for the launch of Rapid Penang's electric buses, Loke emphasized that all passengers, regardless of their nationality, must abide by rules and maintain appropriate behavior. Complaints about unruly behavior by foreigners on buses have been reported on social media and in local news. Such incidents allegedly involve loud conversations, blocking aisles, failure to queue, and refusal to follow bus staff instructions. Loke urged passengers to report any disruptive behavior to bus operators or relevant authorities, who could then take appropriate action. He cautioned that the introduction of quieter electric buses must be paired with heightened public awareness to protect pedestrians. Newer, eco-friendly buses might be less audible, posing a risk for people who might not notice a bus approaching. Loke requested authorities to consider this change in traffic planning and pedestrian routes, especially at crossings. The electric buses launched today are part of a larger plan to replace the fleet with 75 electric buses by March 2027, under the first procurement phase. This fleet expansion is also anticipated to include 175 buses for Rapid KL.",
  "summary": "GEORGE TOWN, Oct 17 — The government cannot stop foreigners from using public buses, Transport Minister Anthony Lo...",
  "key_points": [
    "Foreigners can use public buses in Penang, but must follow rules.",
    "Complaints about unruly behavior by foreigners on buses reported.",
    "Electric buses launch amid concerns about pedestrian safety."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Universal access to public transit requires a shared commitment to social etiquette, as the transition to quieter electric buses necessitates increased passenger awareness to ensure pedestrian safety.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Malay Mail",
        "title": "Loke: We cannot stop foreigners from using public buses, but all passengers must comply with rules",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/loke-we-cannot-stop-foreigners-from-using-public-buses-but-all-15123719",
        "published": "2026-10-17T04:33:05.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "We can’t ban foreigners from using buses, says Loke",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/17/we-cant-ban-foreigners-from-using-buses-says-loke",
        "published": "2026-10-17T05:15:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}