Cabinet asks SPAD to postpone public transport fare hike - Muhyiddin

The Cabinet has urged the Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) to postpone their plan to increase public transport fares because the decision is untimely, reports Utusan Online.

The report cited Deputy Prime Minister, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin that the government is fully aware that SPAD has a solid reason to make the decision considering the current economic climate.

Muhyiddin was quoted saying this at a Press conference after officiating the UMNO annual conference and Pagoh Wanita, Youth and Puteri Wings at the Sri Pekembar Complex in Kota Tinggi, today.

On Friday, SPAD announced a new rate for taxi services and express buses. The new rate for the taxi services will take into effect immediately while for express buses will begin on May 15.

According to its Chairman, Tan Sri Syed Hamid Albar, the new rate was decided following the increase in costs such as maintenance, insurance and cost of living.

The announcement has been objected by many parties because it could affect the welfare of the people and is untimely.

UMNO Supreme Council Member, Datuk Razali Ibrahim, whom disagrees with the increase said the government should review SPADs decision for the sake of the rakyat.

UMNO Youth Vice Chief, Khairul Azwan Haron has also expressed his concerns and objected the increase in taxi and express bus fares announced by SPAD.

Saya bantah kenaikan kadar teksi dan bas ekspres oleh SPAD dgn alasan kos sudah meningkat dan kenaikan akhir pada 2009. Alasan lemah sekali.
— Khairul Azwan Harun (@azwanbro) March 19, 2015

Apa guna ada teknokogi NGV pada teksi dan bas? Sepatut NGV bantu tangani kos bahan bakar kenderaan awam. Kos apa yg meningkat sebenar?
— Khairul Azwan Harun (@azwanbro) March 19, 2015