Consecutive weeks of increasing fuel prices having widespread impact on transport industry

PETALING JAYA: The hike in fuel prices for five weeks in a row has affected many in the transport industry, and freight operators are looking at the possibility of increasing their charges.
Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Lorry Operators Association president Teng Kuok Hua said continual rise in diesel prices has a big impact on lorry operators as they have to bear the resultant increases in freight costs if manufacturers refuse to absorb the increases in fuel cost.
In an interview with China Press published today, Teng said as it is, the freight rate has maintained despite the hike in fuel cost.
"The current freight rate is fixed at 25 sen (per tonne) for every 1.6km. A trailer lorry can consume some 200 litres per trip. We will negotiate with traders (recipients of goods) for a subsidy to offset the increase in freight costs."
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur Taxi Workers Association chairman Choo Swee Keong said the series of fuel price hikes will be the last straw that breaks the camel's back for cabbies, whose livelihood is already greatly affected by fierce competition from Grab and Uber drivers.
Some 50% of cabbies in the city are considering switching jobs, he disclosed.
He pointed out that due to the high operating and maintenance costs, some cabbies take home less than RM20 at the end of a 12-hour shift, which is hardly able to make ends meet.
"The fuel prices have increased so often that cabbies are already feeling (emotionally) numb to such announcements," he said.
On the RM5,000 incentive for the purchase of new cars for cabbies wishing to switch to driving for Grab or Uber as announced in the 2018 Budget, Teng said this will only help the e-hailing services and spell the demise of the taxi industry.
"The association has 400-500 members. We plan to rally them for a mass protest against the e-hailing services and fuel price hikes."
Meanwhile, bus operators said they are not affected by the fuel price hikes as they enjoy government subsidy.