Malaysia's Senibudaya has valid licences to run cross-border bus, ticketing services

LTA and STB confirm this following questions raised by ex-business partner after accident

- Lok Jian Wen Correspondent

The Malaysian company operating the bus that was involved in a fatal accident on Malaysia's North-South Expressway earlier in October has valid licences to operate cross-border bus and ticketing services in Singapore, said the Republic's authorities.

The comment comes after questions were raised by a former business partner about the legality of Express Senibudaya's operations.

In a joint statement on Oct 21, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) said they are aware of the accident on Oct 11, and confirmed that Express Senibudaya holds a valid licence from LTA to operate the cross-border service.

Senibudaya is also authorised to run ticketing operations through its ticketing agent, Leo City Coach, said a spokesperson for LTA and STB. Leo City Coach holds a valid travel agent licence from STB to operate in Singapore and provide ticketing services.

"Bus operators have the discretion to appoint or change their ticketing agents through commercial agreements," added the spokesperson.

"We understand that there were commercial discussions between Super Nice Express and Express Senibudaya regarding ticketing management. These are commercial matters outside our regulatory remit."