KUALA LUMPUR – The Transport Ministry (MOT) has identified three major shopping malls around the capital to serve as new transport hubs, specifically for the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore express bus service.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said that the initiative, aimed at addressing the issue of express buses stopping at unlicensed locations, will ensure that operations are conducted in safer, more orderly, and appropriate areas. This move is also intended to improve passenger comfort and alleviate congestion in the city centre, Bernama reported.
He explained that although the express bus service to this destination has been operational for some time, buses have been stopping at unlicensed locations such as in front of Berjaya Times Square and Corus Hotel, two popular spots in the city.
“Over the past few months, the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) and the Road Transport Department (JPJ) have taken enforcement actions, including issuing notices to bus operators to relocate to safer, licensed areas,” Loke said.
“After listening to feedback from the relevant parties, we decided that these buses should operate in more suitable and safer locations near key city centre spots,” he added.
Loke made the remarks during a press conference following his working visit to the Lalaport Transport Hub, located on LG1 of Mitsui Shopping Park Lalaport at Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC).
He further noted that besides the Lalaport transport hub, which is expected to begin operations next month, other identified shopping centres include One Utama in Petaling Jaya and IOI City Mall in Putrajaya, while Sunway Pyramid is still under evaluation.
Loke expressed satisfaction with the Lalaport facilities, stating that, while not a large terminal, it offers comfortable and secure amenities for passengers, with an integration to the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Monorail systems through the Hang Tuah Station.
“The facilities here are nearly complete and could be the first licensed hub, particularly for the KL-Singapore express bus service. However, the facilities at the other three locations must be upgraded to ensure passenger safety before APAD can issue an operational license,” Loke explained.
Lalaport’s transport hub is equipped with six departure bays and five arrival bays, designed to facilitate public transport users, especially tourists, with a focus on safety, efficiency, and comfort.
Additionally, the hub offers integrated ticketing systems, LRT and Monorail interchanges, and a Bus On Demand (BOD) service connecting Lalaport with Bukit Bintang and Mont Kiara.
Loke also mentioned that MOT had previously granted a three-month grace period to KL-Singapore express bus operators, allowing them to remain at their current locations – in front of Berjaya Times Square and Corus Hotel – without facing fines. However, they will be required to relocate once the identified hubs are fully operational.
“They must comply with the regulations and can only operate from licensed locations. This is not about forcing them to operate from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan or Terminal Bersepadu Gombak, but about ensuring safety and legal compliance,” Loke stated.
On November 2, APAD confirmed the suspension of Aeroline’s express bus services for one month, from November 6 to December 5, after the bus company, owned by Zulco Sdn Bhd, was found to be violating its license by picking up and dropping off passengers at unapproved locations. – January 21, 2026