OTA: MOT To Hold Engagement Sessions With Express Bus Operators

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 20 (Bernama) -- The Transport Ministry (MOT) will hold engagement sessions with express bus operators to clarify a policy requiring ticket sales to be channelled through licensed terminals, amid concerns over its impact on their businesses.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the policy aimed to regulate online ticketing agents (OTAs), many of which are based overseas, and ensure that ticket sales were conducted through terminals licensed by the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).

“They do not fully understand it, so we will hold engagement sessions to explain it to them. There will be no losses for bus companies,” he told reporters after officiating the Transport Expo Asia (TXA) 2026 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) here today.

Also present were Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Hasbi Habibollah and MOT Secretary-General Datuk Seri Jana Santhiran Muniayan.

Loke was responding to concerns from bus operators that the policy could affect their investments in developing their own ticketing websites.

Loke said OTAs earn commissions from ticket sales without providing terminal management services, posing regulatory challenges when service disruptions occur or passengers seek refunds.

“They sell tickets and earn commissions without providing any services, including managing terminal operations,” he said.

Loke said the policy aimed to ensure more efficient ticket sales and terminal management through terminals licensed by APAD.

He added that commercial arrangements between terminal operators and bus companies would be discussed directly by the two parties, while the ministry would set the policy.

Being held from Oct 20 to 22, TXA 2026 brings together industry players and technology providers from the land transport, aviation, maritime and logistics sectors.

--BERNAMA