New advertising buzz
School bus operators can earn extra income by taking part in advertising scheme
BRENDA CH’NG brenda@thestar.com.my Photos by ART CHEN
From left: Federation of Malaysian Schoolbus Operators Associations president Amali Munif Rahmat, I-Berhad executive chairman Tan Sri Datuk Lim Kim Hong, Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Dr Syed Hamid Syed Jaafar Albar, The Star’s group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai, SPAD chief executive officer Mohd Nur Ismal Mohamed Kamal, I-Berhad’s deputy chairman Datuk Eu Hong Chew and at the launch of the School Buzz project
THE School Buzz project will give bus operators an opportunity to earn extra income.
The bus advertising scheme was initiated by The Star Media Group in collaboration with the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD).
Through the project which was launched at i-City in Shah Alam yesterday, bus operators stand to receive up to RM500 monthly for displaying advertisements.
According to Federation of Malaysian School Bus Operators Associations president Amali Munif Rahmat, small bus operators currently earn about RM900 to RM1,300, while the bigger school bus operators earn a little more.
“This additional income will help because the cost of spare parts has shot up and maintaining a bus can be costly,” he said. Only buses that are well-maintained and in good condition are eligible for the scheme.
“Some of the operators need to be convinced as they would have to spend between RM1,000 and RM2,500 to repaint their buses,” said Amali. I-Berhad, the master developer of i-City, is the first company to be part of the project. Currently, there are three buses publicising i-City’s attractions but within the next two months, 30 buses are expected to hit the roads around the Klang Valley.
“We are glad to be part of this new opportunity and in a way this also makes the buses look more attractive,” said I-Berhad deputy chairman Datuk Eu Hong Chew.
Eu hoped this advertising project would help i-City attract more schoolchildren as last year, 5% of its visitors were made up of students on school outings. Also present at the launch were I-Berhad executive chairman Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong, SPAD chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar and Star Publications (M) Bhd group managing director and chief executive officer Datuk Seri Wong Chun Wai.
“This is history in the making. This first-of-its-kind project can become a new platform and revenue stream for those involved,” said Wong, adding that school buses were never seen as anadvertising tool before.
School Buzz is carried out in collaboration with the Federation of Malaysian School Bus Operators Associations. Advertisers can choose from a series of packages ranging from small, medium to large buses, with a minimum of 10 buses for at least three months. Those who sign up before March 31 will enjoy a special six-month package with additional two months free of charge.
Call 03-79668230 or email outdoor@thestar.com.my for more information.
