The public transport fare hikes became the hot topic of discussions among senators during the debate on the Supply Bill 2016 at the Dewan Negara sitting Thursday.

While describing it as bad timing, they said the hikes in fares of Express Rail Link, Light Rail Transit (LRT), the KTM Komuter and monorail services, clearly contravened the government's aspiration to help alleviate the burden of the people, who are already affected by the rising cost of living.

Senator Datuk Seri Abdul Halim Abd Samad said the fare hikes were not only done at the most inappropriate time, but had doubled the burden of the people as it was implemented simultaneously.

"Why is it has to be raised now? That is indeed not a smart move. In view of the coming 14th general election, the government should do something to make the people happy, not to make them unhappy," he said.

He said with the fare hikes, the public transport users would definitely prefer to use their own vehicles to commute, and hence, jeopardise the achievement of government's goal to reduce traffic congestion, especially in the city centre.

Sharing his view was Senator Khairiah Mohamed who described the hikes as having destroyed the hopes of the people, especially the low-income earners and students, who were already burdened by the increase in other costs.

"For example, the fare for KTM Komuter from UKM station to KL Sentral has increased up to RM120 per month, and regular passengers who are affected by this will definitely feel disappointed," she said.

She also called on the government to find solution to the rising costs by reducing prices, stabilizing the value of the ringgit and reviewing the toll increases, which also affected low-income group.

The sitting resumes on Monday.