KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 12 — The Transport Ministry and the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) will look into the issue of recent fare hikes, said Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said the complaints from the public had been discussed in the Cabinet.
Both the ministry and SPAD have been jointly directed to look into the complaints for consideration to be given to children and senior citizens.
Liow said he opposed the decision by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) to repeal the fare concessions for children aged seven and below.
“I have instructed SPAD to talk to KTMB to ensure the old policy will be continued,” he said.
On Dec 2, KTMB and Prasarana Berhad hiked the fares for Komuter, LRT and monorail services, after reviewing their fare structures for the first time in 12 years.
Fares for the Sungai Gadut-Tanjung Malim and Batu Caves-Port Klang KTM lines were increased by a minimum of four sen per kilometre, with a maximum of RM7.10 per trip.
On Dec 9, KTMB came under fire for removing fare concessions for children. It justified the move by stating its services were punctual 97 per cent of the time and was safer than riding motorcycles.
Liow was speaking at the China High Speed Railway Showcase, organised by China’s national railway operator China Railway. He said he hoped the upcoming high-speed rail from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore would enhance Malaysia’s economic growth.
“Not only will our tourism sector blossom, we can also develop townships between KL, Johor Baru and Singapore,” he said.
“Our target this year is 500,000 users. With the first MRT line to be completed by the end of next year and full completion of MRT and LRT lines by 2017 or 2018, we can reach 800,000 users by 2020,” Liow said.
