MIRI, April 23 -- The recently introduced RM3 boarding fee at Miri Sentral Bus Terminal, which sparked public debate, is essential to cover operational costs, according to Konsortium Bas Ekspres (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd (KBE).

In a statement issued yesterday, KBE spokesperson Johnson Ling clarified that the fee is not included in the bus ticket price, nor is it a charge imposed by the Miri City Council (MCC).

Instead, the RM3 fee is collected by KBE to support the terminal's daily operational expenses, such as rent, utilities, security, cleaning, and maintenance.

"KBE is a consortium formed by several bus companies. After winning the bid to manage the terminal, we are now responsible for the full operational costs of the facility, which amoun...