PETALING JAYA, March 22 — Consumer associations have lauded the Cabinet’s request for the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to postpone the public transportation fare hikes.
Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations secretary-general Datuk Paul Selvaraj said the timing for the fare hikes was inappropriate as it would burden the public.
“Consumers are facing issues with the high cost of living and the upcoming GST. We do not need any additional burden,” he said.
He added SPAD should look into improving the reliability, efficiency and quality of public transportation instead.
“SPAD should focus on making public transportation the first choice of transport, he said.
“Increasing the fares will discourage people from using public transport,” he said.
Consumers Protection Association of Negri Sembilan chairman Vijayakumaran Angamuthu said the move was appropriate.
“It is not the right time for the hike as it burdens consumers further alongside the impending Goods and Services Tax (GST).”
He said SPAD should consider implementing new fares when the economy stabilised.
“The fare hikes are not a problem, but the timing is wrong,” he said.
Malaysian Consumers Association secretary-general Datuk Amarjit Singh Gill said it was a good move by the Cabinet to address the public’s concerns regarding the fare hikes.
“The government has done the right thing by considering the issues brought up by the public,” he said,
He said a postponement of the fare hikes would be a relief for consumers as most people are still trying to accept GST.
