30 sen hike in fuel prices: Consumers caught by surprise
"Simply too much." This was the reaction from Federation of
Malaysian Consumers Associations (Fomca) president Marimuthu
Nadason when asked to comment on the 30 sen fuel increase,
effective today.
The price hike for petrol and diesel is 30 sen per litre, while for
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is 30 sen per kilogramme.
In a Bernama report yesterday, a statement from the Prime
Ministers Office also said the price increase was to counter
impact from the increase in the price of crude petroleum in the
world market, and curb the increase in subsidy borne by the
Government.
Marimuthu said the increase would cause other sectors to hike
prices of their products.
"Like in the previous fuel price hike, there will be a chain
reaction. Expect to see price increase in transportation, hotel,
food and beverages and construction industries as they will be
affected by this," he said.
"Consumers will suffer the most. We were not aware of this (price
hike) as there was no prior discussion with the consumers
associations.
"The Government should have instead, made the public aware and
prepare for it, and not just make some announcement at
midnight."
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Lorry Operators Association
secretary-general Alvin Choong said even the present diesel subsidy
for commercial vehicles was not enough.
"Besides, not all lorries are subsidised. The non-subsidised ones
are the cement mixers and those carrying construction
materials.
"We are sending a memorandum to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri
Najib Razak by next week, and also appealing to the Domestic Trade
and Consumer Affairs Ministry to consider our plight.
"We are left with no choice but to review our charges," he
said.
Malaysian Taxi, Limousine and Hired Cars Association president
Yusof Lahir said the increase in taxi fare was of no use because of
the fuel hike.
The hike is definitely a burden, especially for those whose
vehicles run on petrol as there is no subsidy for such taxis.
"We are hoping the Government will consider subsidising taxis that
run on petrol in the Klang Valley."
Earlier, in a statement released by the Prime Ministers
Department, the Government gave the assurance that it would not be
raising the prices of petroleum retail products anymore this year
following this latest hike.
The last time the prices were increased was on July 31, 2005, where
petrol price was pushed up 10 sen per litre, diesel price 20 sen
per litre and five sen per kg for LPG.
The statement also said that the prices of petrol and diesel in
Malaysia were still low compared with other Asean countries, except
Brunei.
Bernama reported that the Government has also introduced the
provision of subsidised diesel to 84 per cent of vehicles that use
diesel in the land transportation sector comprising operators of
public transportation and consumer products services through the
Fleetcard.
Through the Fleetcard, they can buy subsidised diesel at petrol
stations where the cost of fuel is 15 sen less than the stipulated
price. - The Malay Mail 28/02/06