The Malay Express Bus Operators Association Peninsular Malaysia (Pembawa) is appealing to the government to finalise the fare increase for express buses before Ramadan.

"I hope very much that the government would decide on this before the fasting month. We are worried about the prolonged issue since the fare increase postponement was announced on March 21," said Pembawa president Tajudin Mohd Yunus at a specially convened news conference, here, Thursday.

He said the situation had forced the association to send a memorandum on the matter to the Prime Minister's Department and Finance Ministry as it was worried that some express bus companies might have to wind up their business if the situation prolonged.

"We are at our wit's end, as from over 80 per cent of Bumiputera express bus operators in 1978, the figure now has gone down to only 20 per cent," he said.

Sani Ekspress chief executive officer, Major (rtd) Abu Bakar Mohammad said his company much regretted the deferred fare increase for express buses and was affected by it.

"Generally, express bus companies face rising operational costs each year. In fact, since the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the increase has reached almost 100 per cent while we continue to enhance our service quality," he said.

Abu Bakar said due to this problem, his company had to forget its wish to increase the number of buses as well as the number of trips, especially during the holidays and festive seasons.

The Land Public Transport Commission had on March 19 announced the fare increase for express buses and taxis following rising operational costs of up to 33 per cent.

However, the government decided to defer the fare increase for express buses to a date that has not been announced, while taxis have since charged the new rate.