Mohamad Fazli says the state government encourages public transport development projects to use a cashless payment system.
STARTING next year, foreign tourists visiting Johor will be able to use the Johor Muafakat Bus service, says state works, transportation and infrastructure committee chairman Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh.
Currently, he said, the bus service was only for locals, who need to show their MyKad to ride for free.
“We will be expanding the bus service to foreign tourists next year.
“Malaysian citizens can continue to benefit from the service as well with their MyKad.
“But, foreign tourists who want to use the service will be charged for it.
“The Johor Public Transport Corporation is currently developing a payment system where foreign tourists could pay for the bus service by scanning QR codes,” he said during the state assembly sitting in Johor Baru.
He noted that Malaysians had been able to use the Johor Muafakat Bus service for free since it was introduced in 2016.
“Initially, those wanting to use the free service will have to obtain a Johor Muafakat Card and scan it when boarding the bus.
“However, from 2020, they can just show their MyKad to use the service,” he said.
He added that apart from the Johor Muafakat Bus service, the Stage Bus Service Transformation (SBST) or MyBas had also gone cashless since March this year.
“Users will need to use a special pass to use the SBST service.
“The state government also encourages other public transport development projects to use a cashless payment system.
“This includes the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service that is expected to start operating in 2025 as well as the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link that is expected to be completed in 2026,” he said.
He was responding to Chen Kah Eng (PH-Stulang), who asked whether the state government was planning to use a cashless payment system for public transport in Johor.
Mohamad Fazli also said the Iskandar Regional Development Authority (Irda) and Mass Rapid Transit Corp Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) had also expressed interest in using a cashless payment system for their projects.
“However, cash payment system will still be available for those who are used to using cash,” he said.
