A school bus operator in Kuala Lumpur is seeking alternative parking arrangements after being directed by city authorities to remove vehicles parked on public roads in the Taman Bukit Indah area. KC Tai, who runs Tai Bus, acknowledged that some buses have been parked on streets along Jalan Kelang Lama but emphasized efforts to avoid obstructing traffic or endangering motorists.

Tai explained that while his rented depot has sufficient capacity to accommodate all his buses, the presence of double-parked vehicles outside the facility has made entering and exiting the lot challenging. He has engaged with Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) on several occasions and requested assistance to have tow trucks on standby to clear obstructing vehicles.

The issue arose after complaints were raised regarding more than 20 school buses and vans parked in the residential neighborhood, leading DBKL to convene a mediation meeting on September 3 with residents, the police, and other stakeholders. This was followed by a site inspection on September 22 involving DBKL, the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad), and the bus operator.

DBKL subsequently issued an enforcement notice under Section 46(1)(a) of the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, ordering Tai to relocate the buses to an appropriate depot and provide proof of compliance. The latest directive gives the operator one week to complete the relocation.

Residents have expressed ongoing concerns about the buses being shifted from one part of the neighborhood to another rather than being permanently moved off public roads. CK Tan, a local resident, cited complaints from an elderly neighbor upset about buses parked at Jalan Nyaman 10. Another resident, Peter Lu, noted that while buses had been moved away from his immediate vicinity, they continued to block roads further along and posed safety risks to drivers.

Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok acknowledged the persistence of the issue and suggested a temporary solution. She proposed utilizing the vacant site of a former sewage treatment plant in Jalan Nyaman 9 for bus parking, subject to the approval of relevant authorities. Kok indicated that while this could provide interim relief, a permanent site purchase remains necessary for long-term resolution.

Tai confirmed that acquiring land to establish a suitable depot remains his objective but cautioned that finding an appropriate location will take time. Meanwhile, the operator reiterated his commitment to complying with DBKL’s directives and minimizing disruption to the community.