KUALA LUMPUR: Transport Ministry is considering an increase in express bus fares of between 10 and 30 per cent.
Its Deputy Minister Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar said the fares were last revised in 2009 with a 31 per cent increase.
"The increase from 6.5 sen to 8.5 sen for each kilometre, plus a surcharge of 0.8 sen for each kilometre were applied in 2015, bringing the overall increase of 9.3 sen until today.
"The Ministry is considering a reasonable fare increase to help express bus operators, without burdening the passengers.
"We will make recommendations to the Cabinet for consideration soon,” he said.
He said this to a question from Datuk C Sivarraajh (BN MIC-Cameron Highlands) on the likely increase of bus fares due to high operating costs at Dewan Rakyat today.
Kamarudin said the fare increase could help improve the quality of express bus services and reduce the risk of road accidents.
"Driver's salary is quite low, less than RM3,000 for a basic salary and allowance.
"Long working hours that exceed eight hours could also lead to a decline in bus handling quality," he said in a reply to a supplementary question by Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid (PKR-Kapar PK) on government's move in reducing the risk of accidents involving the bus.
Meanwhile, he said Malaysian Bus Star Rating (MBSR) system will be introduced next year to help improve the quality of express bus services and its safety.
Kamarudin said MBSR covered areas including management, safety standards, driving quality, service level and customer satisfaction level.
"Operators need to achieve at least three stars to operate. Those who demonstrate exceptional services in the areas of security, customer services and operations will be accorded five star rating," he said.