New diesel purchase limits in East Malaysia could force long-haul bus operators to make extra refuelling stops, potentially disrupting tight service timetables.
PETALING JAYA: The introduction of diesel purchase caps is set to pose timetable challenges for bus operators, with additional refuelling stops likely to disrupt tightly scheduled long-haul services in East Malaysia.
Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali told theSun that under the government’s new cap of 150 litres per purchase, bus operators would still be able to operate but would need to make additional stops at petrol stations to refuel.
“Normal buses typically have fuel tank capacities of around 200 to 250 litres while 150 litres of diesel can allow a bus to travel approximately 450km.
However, newer buses have much larger tanks of up to 400 litres.
“Short-distance bus services are unlikely to be significantly affected but long-haul routes will require more careful planning as they depend on higher diesel consumption and fixed schedules.
”Mohamad Ashfar also raised concerns over whether petrol stations along highways would have sufficient diesel supply, particularly during peak travel periods.
He urged the government to ensure adequate diesel supply at highway stations to prevent any operational disruptions.
“Long-distance bus operators will now need to make planned stops for refuelling, which could add around 20 to 30 minutes per stop.
“This may slightly affect timetables as bus services operate strictly based on schedules.
“I hope the public remains calm and understanding as minor delays may be unavoidable as operators adapt to the new system.
”MY Mobility Vision senior adviser Wan Md Hazlin Agyl Wan Hassan said the introduction of fuel purchase caps is not intended to restrict access to fuel but to ensure that subsidised diesel is used for its intended purpose.
“For most everyday users and lower-utilisation vehicles, the limits are unlikely to disrupt normal refuelling behaviour as typical daily usage generally falls within the thresholds.
”
He said the impact on higher-utilisation segments such as logistics operators and commercial fleets would be more operational than cost-driven.
He added that these operators may need to refuel more frequently or adjust routing and scheduling to comply with the transaction limits.
“Over time, this points towards a more managed fuel ecosystem where efficiency and planning become just as important as fuel cost.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said temporary restrictions on diesel usage would be implemented in East Malaysia as part of efforts to address smuggling and fuel leakage.
He said in Sabah and Sarawak, the retail price of diesel would remain unchanged at RM2.15 per litre.
Under the measures, private and light commercial vehicles in East Malaysia will be limited to 50 litres of diesel per purchase while land public transport and goods vehicles not exceeding three tonnes will be capped at 100 litres per purchase.
Vehicles above three tonnes will be allowed a maximum of 150 litres per purchase.
