You don’t have to look far to spot an older bus still making its rounds in Malaysia or across Southeast Asia. Whether it’s ferrying passengers through city streets or tackling intercity routes, these ageing vehicles remain a steady presence in the public transport scene.
For many operators, keeping older buses in service is a practical decision. Buying new units is not always feasible, especially for smaller companies. If a bus runs well and meets regulatory standards, there’s often no urgency to replace it. With regular maintenance and proper servicing, some of these vehicles stay on the road far longer than most people might expect.
Public perception, however, can be more cautious. Older buses are sometimes seen as outdated or unsafe. This is a fair concern, but not the full story. A bus’s age doesn’t automatically make it a risk. What truly matters are the milage and how well it is being maintained. Many operators take this seriously, scheduling routine inspections and replacing parts as needed to ensure continued safety and performance.
In Malaysia, commercial vehicles must pass regular inspections under the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and PUSPAKOM guidelines. These checks are designed to ensure that all vehicles, regardless of age, remain roadworthy. If a bus fails to meet the standards, it’s not allowed to operate.
There’s also a sustainability angle. Manufacturing new buses requires significant resources, and prematurely scrapping old ones contributes to environmental waste. When properly maintained, older buses can remain both reliable and efficient without cutting corners on safety. It is about finding the right balance here.
At the end of the day, old doesn’t always mean obsolete. Across Southeast Asia, these buses are a reminder that with the right care, a well-built vehicle can keep doing its job for years, and that’s something worth recognising.
