KUALA LUMPUR, Online bus ticketing platform redBus Malaysia, operated by Ibibo Group Sdn Bhd, is rolling out its digital ticketing and operational systems to bus operators in rural towns to boost service efficiency and reliability.
Chief executive officer Prakash Sangam said the initiative targets areas such as Jerantut and Pekan in Pahang; Lenggong and Pasir Tumboh in Perak; and Jeli and Jelawat in Kelantan, where many operators are still in the early stages of digital adoption.
“We are digitising bus operations even in remote areas and run a ratings and reviews system to help travellers make informed choices while giving operators feedback to improve,” he said. “We have also integrated our system with bus terminals to enable digital boarding passes.”
Prakash, who has led redBus since 2014, noted that domestic tourism offers strong growth potential, with more Malaysians visiting coastal towns and highland areas where buses remain a key mode of transport.
To enhance travel experiences, redBus plans to curate routes and offer bundled packages through its ‘Things to Do’ feature, combining bus tickets with entry to attractions and activities. The company also recently launched the ‘Malaysia Food Map’, showcasing over 160 crowd-sourced eateries nationwide.
“Food tourism is booming – traveller spending in Malaysia rose 43% in 2024 from 2023, with F&B the top growth category at 52%. Our initiatives aim to promote regional discovery and support small local businesses, especially in towns overlooked by traditional guides,” he said.
Malaysia is now redBus’s largest market outside India, with over 200 operator partnerships built in the past decade. The company is also prioritising Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia, where it began operations in 2024.
“Vietnam, in particular, is seeing strong travel demand from young, digital-first consumers and returning international tourists,” Prakash said. “Southeast Asia is central to our expansion strategy, driven by rising mobility needs, smartphone use, and demand for affordable travel. We aim to grow not just as a ticketing platform, but as a trusted travel partner.”
