JOHOR BARU: One of three main school bus associations in Peninsular Malaysia assured that it will not raise its fares.
Pertubuhan Persatuan Pengusaha Bas Sekolah Semenanjung Malaysia chairman Ahmad Fauzi Murad said this was unanimously agreed by members in its annual general meeting.
The association however will ask the government to consider providing fuel subsidy to school bus operators and reintroduce a RM10,00 rebate for new bus purchases, he said.
Ahmad said the association made the decision not to raise its fares because they are aware of burdens faced by parents but the government needs to look into the plight of its operators too.
"Rapid KL bus operators for instance are given special fuel subsidies with diesel purchases at only RM1 per liter, fishermen are RM1.20 per liter (diesel and petrol) while, we are at RM1.88 per liter for diesel," he said after the meeting here.
"With the RM10,000 rebate, entrepreneurs are able to change their buses that are 30-year-old and also to save fuel consumption. The new buses can provide comfort and security to all students," he said.
Earlier this month Persatuan Pengusaha Bas Sekolah Malaysia president Mohd Rofik Mohd Yusof revealed it may consider raising fares next year with rising operational costs.
Translated from Berita Harian
