TAMPARULI: Public transport fares for the Tamparuli-Kiulu route have sharply increased, believed to be due to road damage at Kilometer 7.6 near Malanggang Baru since a week ago.
It is understood that the increase is unavoidable, as the distance between Tamparuli and Kiulu has extended by a few kilometres due to public transportation needing to take longer village roads.
Fares that were RM4 one way between Kiulu Town and Tamparuli have now doubled to RM8.
The Malanggang-Kiulu-Tamparuli route now costs RM10, while the Pukak-Kiulu-Tamparuli is priced at RM13 one way.
This rise is burdening users, especially those with lower incomes who rely on public transport daily.
One user, Julita James, 36, said the fare increase for Kiulu-Tamparuli transport made it difficult for regular users who depend on the service to travel to Tamparuli and beyond.
"I understand the burden on transport operators facing high costs, but we, as users, are also feeling the pinch with these higher fares.
"I hope the damaged Tamparuli-Kiulu road, which caused the fare hike, can be repaired quickly so that things return to normal," she said.
Residents with their own vehicles are also seeing higher fuel expenses since the main road was affected.
Tamparuli-Kiulu transport operator Lorin, 60, said the fare increase was necessary, given the additional kilometres now required on the altered route.
"Kiulu-Tamparuli transport operators have no choice but to raise fares, although this is temporary, awaiting road repairs," he said.
The Public Works Department (PWD)said repairs to the broken road near Kampung Malanggang Baru are expected to take more than two weeks.
The incident occurred due to a damaged drainage system under the road, causing a 50-meter stretch on the right lane to sink.
"This incident disrupted access for over 1,000 users of the Tamparuli-Kiulu road more than a week ago," the department added.
Meanwhile, users from both directions are advised to use alternative routes via Bungoliu-Logkou-Timbok, Kiulu-Logkou Lama, and Kiulu-Lawa Mandau to reach Kiulu Town.
The PWD urged heavy vehicles to avoid these alternative routes to prevent further damage to the water drainage systems.
Users are advised to follow instructions and safety signages in the area to avoid any untoward incidents.