JOHOR BAHRU, Feb 27 — The announcement on the school reopening on March 1 brings ray of hope for school bus and van operators in the state whose source of income have been badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Saisnofariza Isnin, 27, said the school opening provides relief to her although she is expected to see up to 50 per cent drop in her income as the number of passengers is subject to the physical distancing rule.
“We hope parents will feel confident to let their children take the bus or van to school, as we have taken the initiatives to sanitise the vehicles before and after picking up passengers to ensure the safety of the children.
“We will also ensure that physical distancing is adhered to. Therefore, parents need not be worried,” said Saisnorfariza who has been running the business since last year.
She said this when met after the Back to School Free Disinfection Drive-Thru Programme, organised by the state National Consumer Action Council (MTPN) here today.
Saisnorfariza also assured that there will be no increase in the school bus and van fees in view of the current pandemic situation which has affected many people’s livelihood.
Hui Hai Lae, 35, said the reopening of schools could help the operators to continue to operate their business during these difficult times.
“Parents are worried and some even drive their children to school. But working parents still need our service. As such, we are ready and have disinfected our buses to ensure the safety of passengers,” she said.
Meanwhile, Johor MPTN secretary, Noorman Kamsani said today’s programme was held to help the operators to make preparations before the ropening of schools.
This would also restore parents’ confidence to use the service, he said
“After this, we will also contribute two or three sanitation machines to school bus associations according to areas so that they can disinfect their vehicles,” Noorman said, adding MPTN plans to expand the programme statewide.
