RISING fuel costs may force bus and school bus operators to raise fares next month if there are no other solutions.
According to reports in the New Straits Times, this follows delays in finalising quotas under the Subsidised Petrol Control System (SKPS), leaving operators in a difficult position.
Federation of School Bus Associations Malaysia president Amali Munif Rahmat said applications had been submitted, but no response had been received.
"We have submitted application letters for SKPS quotas for school buses under the federation twice, in January and March, but there has been no response," he said when contacted by NST.
He said the requested quota included fuel subsidies for school vehicles and drivers, estimated at 800 litres.
"However, there are school bus operators who have been approved for the subsidy but have yet to receive their fleet cards.
"Some have had to rely on their own Budi95 quota to refuel because the assistance provided is insufficient," he added.
He stressed that operating costs had risen sharply and they would have no choice but to increase fares from next month if the issue remained unresolved.
He added that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the Finance Ministry must find a solution to ease the burden of rising operational costs and fares.
Previously, it was reported that the government was maintaining targeted subsidies for RON95 and diesel as a buffer to stabilise prices.
The move is also aimed at aligning non-subsidised fuel prices with market rates to shield consumers from the full impact of the global energy crisis.
Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan had previously said the measures were important to protect critical sectors, including fisheries, public transport and logistics, which continue to benefit from controlled diesel pricing. – April 13, 2026
