KUALA LUMPUR – School bus operators planning to raise fares this year believe a hike of RM5 to RM10 per student is sufficient, said the Malaysian School Bus Operators and Drivers Association.
In an interview with Scoop, chairman M. Muruga explained that the association understands the concerns of parents, who are often burdened by rising school bus fares at the start of each school term.
“As school bus operators, we need to remember that these parents are our employers. If fares rise every year, they will naturally oppose – especially with the current cost of living increases.
“Imagine if they have many children, such a sharp rise would undoubtedly be a burden.
“Therefore, the association feels it is more rational and considerate to raise fares by a maximum of RM5 to RM10 – no more than that,” he said.
Media reports previously indicated that the school bus fare for the upcoming school term in March is expected to rise due to increased operational and vehicle maintenance costs, particularly in urban areas like the Klang Valley.
In November, Malaysian School Bus Industry Welfare Organisation president Mohd Haron Mohamad Sidik mentioned that the fare increase could range between 25% to 30%, driven by rising spare part costs, minimum wages, and competition from illegal operators.
Muruga acknowledged that the fare hike was necessary because many operators do not generate income in November and December due to school holidays. Most operators feel that the fare increase is justified to offset the loss of income during these two months.
Additionally, Muruga stated that the association has submitted a memo to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, requesting assistance for school bus operators, who have often been “neglected.”
He said the memo was submitted in early November last year, but has yet to receive a response.
“In the memo, we appealed for assistance similar to the aid provided to fishermen during the monsoon season.
“We requested that the assistance be channeled through Apad (Land Public Transport Agency), so that the aid can be directly delivered to our members in their respective areas.
“By doing so, it could encourage other bus operators to register as members of the association,” he said.
There are approximately 15,000 bus operators across Malaysia, including in Sabah and Sarawak, but only 3,000 are registered with the Malaysian School Bus Operators and Drivers Association.
Since 2015, bus fare rates have no longer been regulated by the government in an effort to make the school bus industry more sustainable and improve service quality in terms of safety and student comfort. – January 18, 2025