KUALA LUMPUR: The request from the Peninsular Malaysia Malay Express Bus Operators Association (Pembawa) to increase the diesel subsidy quota to 10,000 litres per month from the previous 6,000 litres is considered reasonable.
According to Buletin Utama, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said that it aligns with the requirement, as each bus typically uses 10,000 litres per month.
If the quota is not increased, he said, there may be a possibility of fare hikes, which would burden users.
"This is not only for the benefit of express buses but also provides advantages to the public."
"Public interest must be prioritised as we serve more than 50 million passengers every year."
"If the quota is not increased, it will lead to an increase in fare rates."
"I suggest that Pembawa includes a resolution in this annual meeting to request the government to raise this year's quota from 6,000 litres to 10,000 litres per month," he said at the opening of Pembawa's Annual General Meeting today.
In July, Transport Minister Anthony Loke informed the Dewan Rakyat that the diesel subsidy quota of RM1.88 per litre for express buses had been raised to 6,000 litres per month from the previous 2,880 litres.
He noted that this increase would help express bus operators manage costs, especially fuel and operational expenses.
However, Pembawa President, Laili Ismail, stated that this amount was insufficient, as the diesel consumption for express buses exceeded the allocated quota.
Zahid, who is also the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, urged Pembawa and express bus operators to be prepared for changes, particularly with the government's push for electric buses or EVs in the future.
"Although the initial costs may be higher, long-term maintenance costs will be reduced."
"I understand this proposal may not be popular, but it is the best approach, and I hope MARA Liner can start implementing it so we can observe the cost reduction," he added.