PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian School Bus Operators Association (GPBSM) is expected to proceed with an increase in school bus fares for the 2025 school session starting in February.
Utusan Malaysia reported that the fare increase will range from RM5 to RM10 per student, depending on the mutual agreement between bus operators and parents.
GPBSM president Mohd Rofik Mohd Yusof said the decision was entirely based on negotiations between the bus operators and parents, without government intervention.
"This increase is based on mutual agreement. If parents disagree, they can choose another bus operator that fits their budget. Typically, the increase is between RM5 and RM10 from the original price. This is considered a reasonable rate that both parties can accept," he said.
Previously, it was reported that school bus fares were expected to rise between RM10 and RM20 for the 2025 school session, due to higher maintenance costs, including rising prices for spare parts and the implementation of the new minimum wage.
However, National Parent-Teacher Associations Consultative Council (PIBGN) president Associate Professor Datuk Dr Mohamad Ali Hasan said the decision to increase school bus fares should involve discussions with parents, schools, and PIBG.
The Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC) has also issued a warning about taking action against business associations that openly announce expected price increases.
Its chairman, Tan Sri Idrus Harun, described this action as an attempt to mislead the public and promote cartel practices.
Following this, Mohd Rofik advised the more than 6,000 school bus and van operators in the country to first discuss fare increases with parents and guardians before making a decision.
Elaborating further, he said the maximum reasonable fare increase is between RM5 and RM10, depending on negotiations between both parties.
He explained that rising operational costs put pressure on bus operators to raise fares, but they also understood the financial burden faced by parents.
"The government is not involved in determining the fare rates. Bus operators and parents need to find a fair agreement for both sides," he added.