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A hundred tour bus companies face the risk of closure following a diesel price hike from RM3.04 to RM5.52 in less than a month in Peninsular Malaysia
According to the New Straits Times, Northern Zone Tour Bus Operators Coalition chairperson Ahmad Ruslan Abdul Latiff said the affected companies across Perak, Kedah, Penang, and Perlis are struggling to sustain operations.
"Operating costs have doubled, and we are seeing a 50% cancellation rate in bookings," he said.
Ahmad Ruslan noted that while operators have tried to explained the situation to customers, they ultimately choose to cancel due to the price increase.
Bus operators gathered in Alor Setar on 24 March to urge the government to address issues stemming from the diesel price hike.
Image via KosmoHere is a breakdown of the diesel price increase over the past four weeks:
| Date | Price (per litre) | Change | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 – 11 March | RM3.12 | Up 8 sen | +2.63% |
| 12 – 18 March | RM3.92 | Up 80 sen | +25.64% |
| 19 – 25 March | RM4.72 | Up 80 sen | +20.41% |
| 26 March – 1 April | RM5.52 | Up 80 sen | +16.95% |
Within a month of the Middle East conflict, diesel prices in Peninsular Malaysia have risen by RM2.48, or 76.92%.
For context, vehicles owned by companies, e-hailing drivers, diesel motorcycles, and luxury vehicles under 10 years old are not eligible for the BUDI Diesel programme, which has increased its monthly payout from RM200 to RM300 recently.
Two weeks ago, bus fares doubled , and in some cases even tripled, to between RM80 and RM120 for a one-way trip — up from the usual RM45 — as Malaysians returned to their hometowns for Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Ahmad Ruslan said it would not be surprising for diesel prices to continue surging to RM7
He said the situation would hurt the industry's support for the Visit Malaysia Year campaign, describing tour buses as the backbone of domestic and international tourist movement in the country.
"We will submit a memorandum to the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry (MOTAC) and the Prime Minister to seek an immediate solution.
"We are proposing temporary financial assistance and the provision of targeted diesel subsidies for tour bus operators registered under MOTAC," he said.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Bumiputera Tour Bus Operators Association secretary Mahadi Izady Maharazi called for prompt assistance to safeguard the survival of the tourism transport sector, reported NST.
The price of diesel has risen to RM5.52, effective today:
Cash Aid For Diesel Recipients Increased By RM100 As Price Jumps To RM5.52/L
Eligible recipients under the BUDI Diesel programme receive a temporary RM100 top-up amid rising global oil prices.