KUALA LUMPUR – GOKL bus routes are under review to ensure Kuala Lumpur’s free transport system delivers the greatest benefit to local residents, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh said.
At a press conference on the extended bus service, Yeoh revealed that the service costs RM30 million annually, fully funded by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) using taxpayer money.
“Anything free that we want to provide is funded by taxpayers. So we want to make sure that we are funding the right group of people who need it,” she said, noting a focus on encouraging usage among the elderly and students after past complaints of high foreign worker usage.
While some have suggested introducing fares, Yeoh emphasised that any decision would require careful study to avoid ad hoc measures.
On concerns over potential traffic congestion from route expansions, the Minister explained that promoting public transport is intended to reduce road usage rather than increase it.
Describing the GOKL 11 route expansion as a “chicken and egg situation,” Yeoh said the department needs time to promote services and gather usage data before considering further extensions to hospitals. A dedicated stop at Cheras Rehabilitation Hospital will be added from April 1 to improve accessibility.
Also present at the press conference was Bandar Tun Razak MP Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
Yeoh added that she will meet the Education Department in the coming weeks to compare school absenteeism data with transport availability. The initiative aims to identify students missing school due to limited affordable transport and allow GOKL to provide targeted assistance.
By improving connectivity, the government hopes to encourage greater use of public transport among Kuala Lumpur residents. – March 18, 2026