A Malaysian commuter was left stunned after seeing a ride-hailing fare surge to over RM100 for what was once a much cheaper journey, sparking debate online over rising prices, peak-hour demand, and whether the increases are justified.
In a post that quickly gained traction, the commuter shared a screenshot showing a standard car ride priced at RM106.20.
According to the explanation shared later, the fare was quoted for a trip from Putrajaya to Sunway at around 6.38pm, during peak evening traffic.
The commuter said the highest fare they had previously encountered was slightly over RM60 during busy hours, making the RM100-plus price a first.
While acknowledging that traffic congestion and high demand could be factors, the sudden jump still came as a shock.
Even off-peak fares appear to be creeping up
The commuter claimed that price increases were not limited to peak hours.
Previously, a morning ride to Putrajaya around 8.00am typically cost about RM27, but similar trips now reportedly exceed RM60.
The post prompted a flood of responses, with opinions split between frustrated passengers and those urging others to consider the drivers’ side of the equation.
Some commenters questioned why prices have climbed so sharply, pointing out that fuel costs have remained relatively stable.
Others expressed broader dissatisfaction, suggesting that commuters are increasingly feeling the strain of higher daily transport expenses.
Drivers and supporters push back
On the other hand, several commenters defended the pricing, saying peak-hour fares reflect the reality of traffic conditions and operating costs.
Some argued that it is easy for passengers to complain without fully understanding what drivers endure, especially during heavy congestion.
Others added that drivers often had to absorb cheap fares for long periods before seeing any incentives or bonuses, making peak-hour pricing one of the few times their efforts felt worthwhile.
