The Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) fare has to be raised as it had never been reviewed since the service was launched in 2002, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Ab Aziz Kaprawi.

He said, as such, the government had agreed to the hike as ERL had been suffering losses due to this.

"In principle, the ministry has agreed and given permission after their requests had not been approved for the past 14 years. The price of the ticket was maintained for 14 years and the operational costs have gone up two-fold," he said when met by reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

Yesterday, it was reported that the new ERL fare for a one-way journey from KL Sentral to the KL International Airport (KLIA) and KLIA2 was RM55, effective Jan 1, next year.

ERL Chief Executive Officer, Noormah Mohd Noor said it was a discounted rate as ERL was allowed to review the fare rate to RM64 based on the concession agreement terms.

When asked on the rationale for the hike of RM20 when the people were being burdened by numerous increases in prices of goods and other transportation modes, Aziz said numerous promotions and discounts were offered.

"If you want lower fare, there is a travel card package, can get in-depth information from ERL. There are three packages of up to about 40 percent off the ticket price announced.

"What was announced included for foreign nationals for single daily usage.

For ordinary local folks, we can daily use travel cards which are much cheaper than the original price. There is also an option to pay using credit cards," he said.

It was reported, passengers who bought tickets online, mobile applications and from ERL kiosks would enjoy a 10 per cent discount while those using Touch 'n Go cards would enjoy a 10 per cent during the promotion period.

TravelCard users could enjoy discounts of 17 to 83 per cent with an average discount of 45 per cent while senior citizens and the handicapped would continue to enjoy a 30 per cent discount for one way fares for the KLIA Transit.

Meanwhile, those who bought return tickets between KL Sentral and KLIA/KLIA2 would save RM10.

Asked if the ministry would meet the Malaysia Public Land Transport Commission to review the decision by ERL, Aziz only nodded in agreement: "Yes, yes" and left.