Oleh Aida Nyan
SHAH ALAM, April 4 — The state government’s initiative to provide free bus services for Selangor students returning to their respective campuses outside the state after Hari Raya Aidilfitri has been widely praised.
Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin student Muhammad Isyraf Johar, 20, said the assistance eased his burden, as bus ticket prices are usually high during festive seasons.
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Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin student Muhammad Isyraf Johar, 20, speaks to Media Selangor during the Bas Percuma Mahasiswa Pulang Kampus programme at the State Secretariat Building in Shah Alam, on April 4, 2025. — Picture by NUR FATIHAH HAMIZI/MEDIA SELANGOR.[/caption]
“Typically, the cost of a bus ticket to return to campus can reach RM60 to RM80, especially during festive periods. This free bus service really helps reduce our financial burden.
“I hope this initiative will not be limited only to students of public higher education institutions but will also be extended to those in private institutions,” he said.
Isyraf is among the 464 students from higher education institutions nationwide being sent back to their campuses via the Bas Percuma Mahasiswa Pulang Kampus programme in stages over two days starting today.
13 buses were provided for the programme, with six departing for the East Coast today and the remaining seven heading to the northern and southern regions tomorrow.
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(from left to right) Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Environmental Sustainability student Priyatharishini Manimaran, 23, with her parents V. Manimaran and Sumathi T. Andy, during the Bas Percuma Mahasiswa Pulang Kampus programme at the State Secretariat Building in Shah Alam, on April 4, 2025. — Picture by NUR FATIHAH HAMIZI/MEDIA SELANGOR.[/caption]
Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Environmental Sustainability student Priyatharishini Manimaran, 23, who is participating in the programme for the first time, hopes the initiative will be expanded in the future.
“I hope this programme can also be extended to other festive seasons such as Deepavali, and not just Aidilfitri,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Selangor Students Association's president Aliff Aiman Norazlan, 23, described the programme as a reflection of the state government’s concern for the welfare of Selangor students.
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The Selangor Students Association's president Aliff Aiman Norazlan, 23, speaks to Media Selangor during the Bas Percuma Mahasiswa Pulang Kampus programme at the State Secretariat Building in Shah Alam, on April 4, 2025. — Picture by NUR FATIHAH HAMIZI/MEDIA SELANGOR.[/caption]
“This initiative not only reduces travel costs but also demonstrates the close relationship between the state government and the student community.
“I hope this programme can be expanded into an annual event, not just limited to festive seasons but also during semester breaks,” he said.
