KUCHING: A total of 179 individuals are currently undergoing training and testing to obtain a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) vocational licence, according to Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
He said initially, 300 individuals were offered the opportunity to participate in the programme, but only 179 people attended.
“Why only 179? Although we offered training to 300 people, 121 people did not attend. Despite the offer, they possibly thought it was a scam or not genuine.
“This leaves 121 more vacancies that we will offer again. This is not a problem.
“In fact, earlier this April, we had requested a list of interested names from bus associations for this purpose,” he said.
He made this statement at a press conference while dismissing claims that his ministry had failed to deliver on its promise to provide training for those seeking the PSV licence.
Loke also mentioned that the bus associations had asked for more time to submit the names of interested candidates.
“So, we are waiting. As of now, 179 individuals are already undergoing the testing process and will be completed soon,” he explained.
Loke expressed hope that this initiative would help addressed the shortage of bus drivers, one of the key challenges faced by the industry.
“Although there are more buses, the problem remains that there aren’t enough drivers. That’s why we are focusing on increasing driver’s training,” he said.
He encouraged those interested to take advantage of the free PSV licence training, fully sponsored by the Ministry of Transport.
The training will enable candidates to obtain the necessary E and PSV licences, with the federal government covering the costs ranging from RM3,000 to RM5,000 per person through the Ministry of Transport.
