THE government and public transport authorities need to review the recent fare increases for all public transport services, which were implemented last week.
Last week, many public transport users of the Light Rail Transit and KTM Komuter were shocked and expressed their dissatisfaction with the new fare increases, which were seen as too drastic and financially unbearable.
However, many commuters have no choice but to pay as many of them have no other alternative way to get around besides relying on public transport.
Consumers understand that the public transport management needs to deal with maintenance costs, and that some prices have not been reviewed in 14 years.
However, the decision to increase the fare drastically is not suitable at the moment as consumers are struggling to cope with the rising cost of living.
Instead of continuing to implement and announce fare increases, the main focus by the authorities should be to improve the quality and safety of existing public transport services and find ways to reduce the people’s financial burden.
Beyond doubt, the cost of living in Malaysia has increased lately. While the impact of
the higher cost of living may not be significantly felt by higher-income Malaysians, the impact has certainly affected the lower-income group in the country due to the current economic uncertainty, which not only affects Malaysia but other countries around the world.
The recent implementation of new fares for public transport services, increase in toll rates, as well as the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax in April, have affected many people’s lives.
Therefore, the government needs to map out holistic and effective plans to help the populace cope with the price hike as well as the increase in cost of living.
In the meantime, stern legal action needs to be taken against any irresponsible individual or traders who make unreasonable profit.
Consumers need to use their power to file complaints to the relevant agencies under the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry, and boycott price-gougers, as well as continuously work with the government and consumer associations to find more effective ways to reduce the people’s financial burden.
n Muzaffar Syah Mallow, Nilai, Negri Sembilan