The Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) began enforcing a directive on May 19, 2026, requiring all express bus operators in Kuala Lumpur to relocate from unlicensed pick-up and drop-off points to approved terminals and transport hubs [1, 2, 3]. The transition applies equally to all companies, with APAD stressing the move is not targeted at any specific operator. "Enforcement on unlicensed bus stops applies to all operators and is not targeted at any single company," APAD said [3].

Prior to enforcement, APAD gave an express bus operator nearly five months to comply but the company refused to relocate to licensed terminals despite multiple opportunities [1, 2, 3]. The operator has since ceased services in Kuala Lumpur after being ordered last year to stop using unlicensed locations [1, 2, 3].

A temporary moratorium was in place after Corus Hotel Kuala Lumpur City Centre ended its arrangement with the operator in January 2026 due to site redevelopment [1, 2, 3]. APAD clarified that Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) was never an approved or licensed terminal, nor had its management submitted any application for that status. "It does not automatically become an approved terminal simply by virtue of prolonged use," APAD said [1].

Approved terminals for express buses include Lalaport, IOI City Mall Putrajaya, 1 Utama, Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, and Terminal Bersepadu Gombak [1, 2, 3]. APAD cited safety concerns as a major reason for the enforcement. "Pick-up and drop-off activities at roadside or unlicensed locations pose clear safety risks to passengers and other road users," the agency said [2].

One operator expressed concern that charges at Lalaport, the only approved terminal located in the city center, would force fare increases [1, 2].

The enforcement followed APAD's initial instruction in 2025 for operators to stop using unlicensed locations and move to licensed terminals [1, 2, 3]. In January 2026, Corus Hotel terminated its agreement with an express bus operator due to redevelopment of the site [1, 2, 3]. On May 13, 2026, APAD restricted express bus services to three licensed city areas: 1 Utama, Lalaport, and IOI City Mall Putrajaya [1, 2].

The enforcement directive that took effect on May 19, 2026, marks the final deadline for operators to ensure full compliance with the relocation rules [1, 2, 3].