Bus operators are starting to feel the pinch due to the recent announcement of a diesel price increase in the Peninsula exceeding 50% starting yesterday (10 June).
Mohd Rofik Mohd Yusoff, Deputy President of the Malaysian Tour Bus Operators Association, noted that numerous bus operators had scheduled trips through the end of the year, with fare rates established assuming a diesel price of RM2.15 per liter, as reported by Sinar Harian.
More than 2,000 bus operators are being affected by the news
Mohd Rofik mentioned that most operators have already taken deposits and are concerned that raising fares could result in losing customers.
He also shared that many operators are now facing a dilemma on whether to reassess the established fare rates or introduce additional charges.
Operators would have to bear up to RM600
Mohd Rafik continued to share that for a full tank of diesel for a bus at the new rate, operators would now have to cover up to RM600 for a full tank of diesel for a bus, whereas previously they only faced rates ranging from RM350 to RM400.
“So I urge the government to consider expanding the Budi Madani Diesel Subsidy Program to all bus categories because they also serve public transportation,” he said.
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