If you’re a parent whose child takes the school bus to attend classes, you will have to pay more when next month rolls around.
This is because the fares are expected to see a hike for the 2025 school session starting in February this year.
School bus fares set to spike between RM5 to RM10 per student
According to a report by Utusan, the Malaysian School Bus Operators Association (GPBSM) will go ahead with the price increase, where it will range from RM5 to RM10 per student.
However, the fare hike is entirely dependent on the mutual agreement set between bus operators and parents.
If parents disagree, they can opt for another bus operator that fits their budget. Typically, the increase is between RM5 and RM10 from the original fare, which is considered a reasonable rate that both parties can accept.
“The decision (to increase school bus fares) was entirely based on negotiations between the bus operators and parents, without government intervention,” said GPBSM president Mohd Rofik Mohd Yusof.
He also called upon school bus and van operators nationwide to have discussions with parents and guardians about the issue before coming to a final decision.
Previously, it was reported that school bus fares were going to be increased between RM10 and RM20 due to multiple factors such as soaring prices for spare parts and the new minimum wage being implemented.
The announcement was met with objection from various parties such as National Parent-Teacher Associations Consultative Council (PIBGN), where its president said discussions must be held with parents, schools, and PIBG beforehand.
A warning on acting against business associations who have openly announced expected price hikes was also issued by the Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC), where its chairman called it “an attempt to mislead the public and promote cartel practices”.
