THE Phase 1 upgrade project of the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal, costing nearly RM7 million, has been completed since work began in 2021.
State Local Government and Town & Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye announced that the upgraded facilities include the installation of escalators and elevators, rearranged kiosks, updated restrooms with special amenities for the disabled (OKU), and centralised, friendly ticket counters.
“The facilities at this terminal have been improved to be user-friendly, especially for the disabled (OKU) and the elderly. Enhancements include escalators, lifts, and an online ticket purchase system that can save time and energy.
“In addition, the parking facilities for cars and motorbikes have also been paved and equipped with closed-circuit camera (CCTV) facilities to ensure the comfort and safety of users through 24-hour monitoring.
“A cashless parking system (Touch N Go and debit card) has also been added to the parking lot
“I hope the improved amenities will make people feel more comfortable and promote the use of bus services,” said H’ng during the opening ceremony of the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal today.
Also present Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan, Penang Island City Council secretary Cheong Chee Hong, Easybook founder and chief executive officer William Lee, UDA Holdings Bhd Group chief operating officer (Asset management) Azrudyn Rashid, UDA Holdings Head of Property Management and Investment Division Mohd Nazri Jamiran and Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal technical committee chairman Lee Seng Hwai.
It is understood that the management of the terminal, owned by MBPP, is handled by UDA PIMD through a strategic collaboration with Easybook. Easybook is also the company responsible for collecting terminal charges, managing and regulating terminal operations as well as cleaning and terminal security systems from August 2021 to August 2024.
Commenting on the Phase 2 upgrading project at the terminal, H’ng said it was completely handed over to MBPP.
“Among the Phase 2 works that I understand is the roof upgrade which also involves a three-year extension contract,” said H’ng, who also serves as Jawi assemblyman.
He pointed out that the terminal can handle around 1,000 people a day, and during the holidays, that number triples.
USM students Vanessa and Sze Ling, who have been using the terminal since last year, appreciated the comfortable environment and convenient facilities such as modern toilets, elevators, and escalators.
“Overall, we are satisfied with the upgrades involving toilets, shops, lifts and electric stairs for general facilities.
“However, if it is possible to upgrade with air conditioning, it would be better,” they told Buletin Mutiara.
Siti Nurizzati Atikah Zakaria, a Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) student, is thankful that the surau is now more comfortable after the upgrade works.
“Previously the surau was quite unsatisfactory, but now it has improved after being upgraded.
“In addition, the punctuality of the buses is also better, organized by using the new system, making it easier to book an e-hailing ride before returning home,” Siti Nurizzati said.
Choom Soon Choi, 60, who has been using the bus service for 20 years, admits that the upgrades have made the system at the Sungai Nibong Bus Terminal more systematic with more comfortable facilities.
“Previously, there were only normal stairs; now there are escalators. It is more convenient, especially for the elderly,” Choom said.
An elderly passenger, who prefers to be known only as Dewi, 70, frequently uses the terminal to catch a bus to Ipoh.
She said: “For me, I like to buy the ticket online because it is much easier. But if I buy the ticket directly, I can get the senior citizen discount.”
Story by Nurul Hawa Farahin Hameddy
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi