Transport Ministry Cracks Down on Festive Bus Fare Hikes

The Ministry of Transport issued a stern warning to express bus companies against unfair ticket price hikes for economy-class services ahead of the Aidilfitri festive season.

Minister Anthony Loke added that strict action, including licence revocation, would be taken against operators found violating fare regulations.

The ministry received complaints from passengers about significant fare increases, particularly on routes from the capital to the East Coast. Loke stated that the Land Public Transport Agency (APAD) has been directed to investigate companies engaging in these fare hikes.

“There are two categories of bus services: economy and executive. Economy-class fares are regulated and cannot be raised arbitrarily,” he explained. “For executive buses, which offer additional services, pricing is not regulated. However, if the increase is excessive, we will intervene.”

Express bus operators are only allowed to impose a 10% surcharge during festive seasons. Loke reiterated that this surcharge, which accounts for increased service capacity and rental costs, has been in place for the past 20 years. It applies from one week before to one week after major celebrations.

Authorities will now determine whether the reported fare hikes fall under the regulated economy category or the unregulated executive category before taking enforcement action.

In addition to fare monitoring, the government has planned a nationwide enforcement operation from March 24 to April 8. This initiative aims to identify and penalize road users violating traffic laws during the holiday period.

Loke assured the public that the ministry is committed to ensuring fair pricing and safe travel for all passengers during Aidilfitri.

Source: MalayMail