KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 3 — All online ticketing agents will have to use the QR code system for their interstate bus tickets starting this month, Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced today, a move he said is aimed at easing congestions during peak festive periods.

The announcement comes as bus operators prepare for the Lunar New Year and Aidilfitri celebrations later this month and late March, two of the country’s biggest religious and cultural celebrations.

“Starting February all OTA must use the QR code, so all tickets bought starting this month should integrate the QR code so you don’t need to change tickets again when you arrive at the terminal,” Loke told reporters after a routine inspection of the Bandar Tasik Selatan bus terminal (TBS) here.

Complaints noted

The mandatory QR code system directive followed complaints that passengers have to line up again for a second boarding pass at the TBS despite having bought the tickets online. 

This system had caused massive congestion sometimes leading to delays in departure time, upending already tight travel schedules.

“This problem was something that got our attention and I’m happy to state that bus operators had assured us the matter had been resolved,” Loke said.

For passengers that had bought tickets before the new rule took effect, the minister said they can obtain new tickets with the QR codes online via the TBS website. The terminal operator charges RM1 to the agents per QR code, Loke revealed, adding to TBS income.

“Why are we using QR codes? They act like a boarding pass. The terminal is like an airport that has its own lanes and doors. TBS also charges RM1 per QR code, so it provides income...now I hope we don’t see long lines anymore,” the minister said.

Loke was also at the terminal to inspect the amenities after receiving growing complaints about poor upkeep. 

The minister met with TBS executives before walking about for the inspection, speaking to a few customers to ask what they thought about TBS’s services.

“We asked the operator to improve the amenities and facilities. I know from a few months back there were many complaints about the dysfunctional escalators, elevators, toilets in poor state and all that,” Loke said.

“So, all these fundamental issues must be rectified, that’s what I told them.”