Tour bus, van operators push govt for 6,000-litre monthly diesel subsidy

Three associations warn that the industry is 'ailing', and call on the government for support to sustain operations amid rising fuel costs.

The appeal was made at a press conference by Persatuan Bas Bumiputera Malaysia (PPBBM), Persatuan Pertubuhan Gemilang Agensi Pelancongan dan Pengusaha Bas Persiaran Malaysia, and Persatuan Van Pelancong Malaysia (PVPM).

PPBBM chairman Mahazir Mat Din said the continuous rise in diesel prices had hurt operators’ livelihoods and pushed operating costs to unsustainable levels.

“We are requesting at least 6,000 litres of diesel for tour buses and 4,000 litres for tour vans,” he said.

Mahazir added that the industry is now fully dependent on the domestic market, as foreign tourist arrivals remained low and many flight schedules had been cancelled.

“When local customers see our prices double due to fuel costs, they are forced to cancel,” he said.

He also highlighted the difficulties faced by operators with government contracts from last year, as prices agreed to then could not be adjusted despite rising fuel costs.

“When diesel prices double, we run at a loss. How can we survive? We are only just recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic and now have to bear moratorium interest costs of up to RM100,000 per bus,” he said.

PVPM committee member Ee Teck Chuan said the surge in diesel prices had made operating costs unmanageable, forcing many operators to the brink of closure.

“Some of our members have even had to sell their vans because they can no longer sustain operations.

“We sincerely hope that the government will hear our plea and consider providing a diesel subsidy to preserve our industry,” he said.

The price of diesel in Peninsular Malaysia for April 2 to 8 has been set at RM6.02 per litre, up from RM5.52, while prices in Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan remain at RM2.15 per litre.