Today (June 14), Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim issued a warning to school bus and public transport operators, cautioning them against increasing their fares.
He has sternly cautioned owners of commercial vehicles benefiting from the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS) against raising their fares.
“I don’t know about others, but as for me, if you still increase prices despite receiving subsidies, we will revoke your license and cancel your company. Otherwise, our school children will be burdened,” Anwar stated.
License could be revoked
Reported by NST, Anwar emphasised that those who hike prices despite enjoying diesel subsidies risk having their licenses revoked.
Addressing school bus operators specifically, he questioned the rationale behind increasing fares when they are already receiving diesel subsidies.
“Why raise prices if you benefit from the diesel subsidy?” he asked during his speech at the Public Service Department’s Madani Aspirations gathering at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre today.
He stressed that savings from targeted subsidies should be used to aid the less fortunate and contribute to public welfare, such as the RM10 billion allocated to nine million people under the Rahmah Cash Aid (STR) scheme this year.
The government is considering expanding the list of transportations eligible for diesel subsidies, potentially increasing the quota for public transport, including school and express buses, under the SKDS 1.0 scheme.
Anwar also addressed requests to postpone the diesel rationalisation plan, defending it as a necessary measure to prevent fuel leakages.
He highlighted incidents where foreign fishing vessels misused subsidised diesel intended for citizens, and pointed out the discrepancy between the annual 8% increase in the number of vehicles and the 20-30% rise in diesel consumption, indicating significant leakages.
The diesel rationalisation plan aims to redirect savings to crucial sectors like education. Clarifying the policy, Anwar stated that it applies to all commercial vehicle owners receiving diesel subsidies.
The SKDS benefits 23 new segments of goods transport vehicles and public transportation, allowing recipients to purchase subsidised diesel at RM2.15 per litre compared to the market price of RM3.50 per litre.
Additionally, eligible private vehicle owners will receive a monthly cash aid of RM200 under the Budi Madani scheme.
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