Gaining a tour bus license in Malaysia involves a multi-step process that requires approvals from two main government bodies: the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD). It is important to note that a tour bus license is not issued to an individual, but rather to a company or a business entity that is licensed to operate a tour business.

Here is a breakdown of the key procedures and requirements:

Step 1: Obtain a Tour Operating Business License (TOBTAB) from MOTAC

Before you can apply for a license for a specific vehicle, your company must first be licensed as a tour operator.

Requirements:

• Company Registration: The business must be a private limited company incorporated under the Companies Act 2016.

• Business Nature: The company's name and business activity description must clearly reflect its nature as a tour operating or travel agency business.

• Paid-Up Capital: You must meet the minimum paid-up capital requirements, which vary depending on the location and scope of your business (e.g., inbound, outbound, or both). For a local company, the minimum paid-up capital is typically RM200,000 for a city-based operation.

• Key Personnel: The company must have at least one key employee, such as a director or senior manager, who has attended and obtained a certificate from a recognized Travel and Tour Management Course (TTMC).

• Suitable Premises: You must have a registered business address and a suitable office premise located in a commercial area, not a residential one.

Procedure:

1. Company Incorporation: Register your company with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).

2. Premise License: Obtain the necessary premise and signboard licenses from your local authority.

3. Application to MOTAC: Apply for the TOBTAB license through the Tourism Licensing & Enforcement System (TOURLIST) portal. You will need to submit a comprehensive set of documents, including your business plan, SSM documents, and proof of paid-up capital.

4. Premise Inspection: After submitting your documents, MOTAC will conduct an inspection of your business premises to ensure they meet the required standards.

Step 2: Apply for a Vehicle Permit from APAD

Once your company has secured its tour operating license from MOTAC, you can then apply for a permit for your tour bus from the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD).

Requirements:

• Valid TOBTAB License: Your company must hold a valid tour operating business license issued by MOTAC. This is a prerequisite for a tour bus permit.

• Vehicle Specifications: The tour bus must be registered as a commercial vehicle and must meet all the safety and technical standards set by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).

• Insurance: The vehicle must have a valid commercial vehicle insurance policy.

• Driver's License: The driver of the tour bus must hold a valid Competent Driver's License (CDL) for the appropriate vehicle class.

Procedure:

1. Application to APAD: Submit an application for an Excursion Bus License to APAD.

2. Document Submission: Provide all the necessary documents, including a copy of your company's TOBTAB license, the vehicle's registration card, and insurance policy.

3. Vehicle Inspection: The vehicle may be subject to inspection by APAD to ensure its roadworthiness and compliance with all safety regulations.

Key Things to Remember:

• Separate Licenses: The tour operating license (from MOTAC) and the vehicle permit (from APAD) are two separate and essential licenses. You cannot operate a tour bus for commercial purposes without both.

• Regulation Changes: The requirements and procedures can be updated by the relevant ministries. It is highly recommended to check the official websites of MOTAC and APAD for the most current guidelines and application forms.

• Professional Guidance: Given the complexity and multiple steps involved, many applicants choose to engage with a professional consultant or a legal firm that specializes in business and transport licensing to ensure all requirements are met correctly.