KUCHING (Jan 12): The Free School Bus programme has not only proven effective in reducing traffic congestion in school areas where it has been implemented, but also contributes to lower carbon emissions, according to Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He cited SK Sungai Maong Hilir and SJK (C) Chung Hua No 6 along Jalan Stapok here as examples, adding that there are plans to expand the initiative to other urban schools.

“We have many approaches to making our cities low-carbon emitters. This programme is one of them, alongside the Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) project,” he said when met at the launch of the Free School Bus and Smart Classroom programmes at SJK (C) Chung Hua No 6 here on Monday.

Abang Johari assured parents of the service’s safety, noting that digitisation allows them to monitor their children’s movements while using the bus service.

“We have installed tracking equipment on the buses, allowing children to communicate with their parents, and vice versa, while on board. This means, in terms of safety, it is ensured,” he said.

He added that the service also helps parents save time and reduce travel costs associated with sending and picking up their children from school.

In 2025, state Transport Ministry Minister Datuk Seri Lee Kim Shin said the service, run by Yayasan Sarawak, has only been implemented in Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri over the past five years.

Lee also said several weaknesses in the service had been identified and that efforts were underway to improve it, as well as to expand the programme to other towns.

In a related note, Abang Johari said rural areas currently do not require such a service, as they do not face the same level of traffic congestion as urban centres.

“The setting is different. For example, in rural schools, such as those in Daro, students can use bicycles because there is no traffic jam. It doesn’t take long to get there,” he said.

Also present were deputy premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, Sarawak United Association of Chinese Aided Primary School Boards of Management president Datuk Jonathan Chai, Chief Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman and other dignitaries.

Credits: Kentigern Minggu, The Borneo Post 2026