Malaysia's Transport Minister confirms that the BAS.MY stage bus service won’t use electric vehicles for now due to high costs, but EV buses may be considered in the future.
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| Malaysia’s Transport Minister shares the reasoning behind not using electric buses in the BAS.MY service at the moment, with cost and future plans under consideration. Image: ChicHue |
Ipoh, Malaysia — February 24, 2025:
Malaysia’s Transport Minister, Anthony Loke, announced on Monday, February 24, that the country’s BAS.MY stage bus service will not adopt electric vehicles (EVs) in its fleet for the time being due to significant concerns over the high operational and purchasing costs. Speaking at the launch of the BAS.MY Ipoh programme, Loke emphasized that while EVs are an attractive option for sustainability, their financial implications make them unsuitable for immediate implementation, reports the Star.
The current funding for the BAS.MY service, which covers the purchase of 51 new buses, is being used to procure Euro 5 diesel buses, which are considered environmentally friendly due to their reduced emissions. Loke explained, “If we were to switch to EV buses, the costs—both operational and purchase—would be substantially higher. For now, we’re prioritizing cost-effectiveness while ensuring environmental considerations.”
Although EV buses won’t be introduced in the short term, Loke reassured that the potential for their inclusion in the future remains open. "EV buses may be introduced as technology improves and costs become more manageable,” he said.
The BAS.MY Ipoh service is part of Malaysia’s broader Stage Bus Service Transportation (SBST) programme, which has been running since 2016. The programme, now extended through 2029, is set to receive several upgrades, including new bus models, expanded routes, and enhanced payment systems. The government has committed RM13.17 million annually to the BAS.MY service in Ipoh, aimed at improving local public transportation and enhancing accessibility for communities across the region.
Additionally, the new service offers four types of concession cards, with free travel available for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and students. Working adults can purchase unlimited travel passes for just RM50 per month. Loke highlighted that these measures are designed to ease the financial burden of daily commuting, making public transport more affordable for local residents.
Foreigners, however, will not qualify for the unlimited travel passes and will be required to pay the standard fare based on distance and regular pricing rates.
As for the upcoming Hari Raya period, Loke announced that additional public transportation services will be made available, including more trips on the Electric Train Service (ETS) and temporary extra bus services, to accommodate the surge in demand. The government will also be approving permits for additional services as necessary.