Asfar Ali: No law for bus operators to sell bus tickets in advance

This is the opinion of Pan Malaysia Bus Operators Association president Datuk Asfar Ali.

Asfar said this following the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) chairman Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar’s statement that such an action is wrong under the Competition Act 2010.

“To dispel any confusion, I would like to make it clear that there is no law which says bus operators must sell their tickets in advance. lt is a service provided by each individual operator based on their business model,” he said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Asfar said the association had discussion with SPAD on June 19 regarding their request for a 30 per cent hike in the ticket prices.

“SPAD explained that a detailed study has to be carried out for submission to Cabinet. The Cabinet will give approval for any bus fare increase. This process might take several months,” he said.

Asfar also said that for the time being, the association has accepted the 10 per cent surcharge allowed by SPAD.

“l urge all passengers and operators to abide by this. Action by the enforcement authorities can be taken against passenger who refuse to pay the 10 per cent surcharge or bus operators which impose more than the 10 per cent.

“I would also like to assure all passengers that bus operators will endeavour to make sure that there will be sufficient buses to enable everyone to return home safely during the Hari Raya period,” he said.

On Wednesday, Syed Hamid warned express bus operators to not to act like cartel by refusing to sell tickets for Aidilfitri festive season.

He had said that the commission is deeply concerned with such news and it is wrong under the Competition Act 2010.

“SPAD will not hesitate to take stern action under the licensing terms and report the matter to the Malaysia Competition Commission.

“Express bus operators should not take advantage of the festive season to hike ticket prices by 30 per cent,” he had said.

He said the request could not be met before Aidilfitri as the discussion and comprehensive study was underway and would only be decided before year end.

Public interest, feedback from consumer associations and operating costs borne by express bus operators would be considered in the comprehensive study.

Syed Hamid said SPAD is aware of increased operating costs borne by bus operators and thus agreed to a 10 per cent surcharge on tickets for the festive season.

The additional charges apply for all travel from July 8 to Sept 8 this Year and include all express bus services and additional buses.