Thousands of Malaysians who work in Singapore and commute by bus were affected this morning (July 21) when about 100 shuttle bus drivers went on strike since 5 AM.
This left thousands of Malaysian workers stranded at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI), Johor Bahru, and several main bus stop locations to Singapore.
Mr Munir Selamat, 34, who works at a restaurant in Singapore, said he was surprised when he found the queue to board the bus to Singapore crowded upon arriving at BSI at 6.30 am. After waiting for almost half an hour, he and the other Malaysians decided to walk from BSI across the Johor Causeway to Singapore, which is about 1.05 kilometres (km) away.
“We were shocked and stunned when we noticed the long queue to board the bus to Singapore before being told that the bus drivers were on strike today,”
“We saw no other choice but to walk to Singapore because we didn’t want to be late for work,” Munir said.
Earlier, many Malaysians who work in Singapore complained about having to reach work late as bus drivers went on strike following a salary issue that went viral on social media. The long queue reportedly started from the passport inspection lane at BSI on the top floor to the bus platform, leaving thousands stranded.
The bus drivers were unhappy with the new salary adjustments
A bus driver who only wanted to be known as Atoi, 35, claimed that about 100 bus drivers who ferry people to and from Singapore were determined to go on strike today.
He said this was due to the dissatisfaction of bus drivers over the new salary adjustments made by the bus company, which was seen as mistreating the drivers following a significant reduction in their salaries.
“For example, previously, Malaysian bus drivers to Singapore were paid between RM2,800 and RM2,900 per month, but the salary adjustments made meant that we only received a salary of less than RM2,000 per month.”
“This does not include the unfair mandatory conditions imposed, namely the increase in mandatory trips from four to five which affects claims for excess travel, as well as unclear salary deductions.”
By 10:30 AM, several dissatisfied bus drivers were also reported to have returned home, while others continued with their journey.
It is understood that the Chairman of the Johor Public Works, Transport, Infrastructure and Communications Committee, Mr. Mohamad Fazli Mohamad Salleh, has held a meeting with the company and bus drivers to resolve the strike issue, as reported by Berita Harian.
Also read: Singapore-Based Actor Says His Family’s Living Costs Dropped by 30% After Relocating Back to JB
