Anthony Loke: Bus ticket policy targets overseas online agents, not operators

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 — The government’s policy to channel bus ticket sales through licensed terminals is meant to restrict online ticketing agents (OTA).

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said operators needed to understand the policy and there will be a session to explain it to them.

“The policy is not intended to cause losses to bus companies.

“What we want to restrict is the role of online ticketing agents (OTAs), many of which are based overseas.

“They sell tickets and collect commissions but do not provide services at the terminals or manage terminal operations,” Loke told a press conference at the Transport Expo Asia 2026 here today.

He cited situations when a problem relating to cancellation or delay in bus services, the ministry is not able to regulate these issues.

“When problems arise, such as service failures or refund disputes, we have limited ability to regulate these agents.

“We are introducing this measure to ensure ticket sales, terminal management and ticketing operations are better regulated,” he added.

Loke stressed that there should be no financial losses for bus operators, at the same time ensuring that terminals cannot charge more than their existing rates.

“In fact, we hope terminals can reduce their charges and provide better returns for bus operators,” he said.

In this case, Loke said, transactions will be business-to-business (B2B), between the terminals and bus operators.

“The government is responsible for the policy decision, while the commercial arrangements will be handled directly by the parties involved.

Loke’s comments come after a new ruling by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) was announced whereby express bus tickets were to be sold only through licensed terminals from November 1.

According to the circular issued to bus operators, it involves granting terminals exclusive rights to sell tickets and introduce new commercial fee structure.

However, APAD said tickets could still be purchased through OTAs or bus operators' websites if the terminals were owned by the operators themselves.