A MAIDEN inter-state commercial bus service spanning Bandar Seri Begawan, Sabah, Sarawak and Pontianak was officially launched yesterday to facilitate easier movement of people and goods in the Bimp-Eaga region.

Four local companies, namely ADBS, PHLS, Bina Tanaga and Tenaga Travel Agency, have been granted permission to operate a commercial bus and coach service for the following two-way routes: Bandar Seri Begawan to Sarawak to Pontianak; Brunei to Lawas; Brunei to Miri; and Brunei to Kota Kinabalu.

"With this scheduled cross-border bus service, it will give individuals a safer, organised and guaranteed option as opposed to using services that do not have a valid permit, and even those which utilises vehicles of certain types and conditions that may pose a danger to passengers," said Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia Hj Abu Bakar Hj Apong, the Minister of Communications.

Speaking during the launching ceremony at the Land Transport Department yesterday, the minister hoped that the service will stimulate the growth of the transportation industry and Brunei's tourism economy.

Land Transport Director Mohd Riza Dato Paduka Hj Yunos sent out a reminder to successful operators to abide by rules and regulations in carrying out their services. Safety issues and the comfort of passengers must be taken into consideration to enhance the quality of services, he stressed.

The launch of the service was under the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines East Asean Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cross-Border Movement of Commercial Buses and Coaches which was signed last November in Singapore, in which the first phase involved all the countries on Borneo island.

Bimp-Eaga is also working on formalising standard operating procedures that will allow heavy commercial vehicles carrying transit goods to load and unload goods in Bimp-Eaga countries through set routes, said the minister, adding that such initiatives are in line with the ministry's vision to make Brunei a hub in the region. (HHM1)

The Brunei Times