Expedite fuel subsidies, MCA tells govt that school buses cannot run on excuses
Published: Apr 15, 2026 2:28 PM
Updated: 4:49 PM
MCA has urged the government to expedite approval of fuel subsidy quota applications for school bus operators to prevent a chain reaction that could ultimately affect the people.
Party vice-president Wee Jeck Seng said there must be proactive and decisive execution to ease the people’s burden, stressing that citizens do not want excuses but real action.
He noted that the Federation of Malaysian School Bus Associations recently warned that if the issue remains unresolved this month, fares may be increased starting next month.
He added that, according to the association, applications for the monthly subsidised quota of 800 litres under the Subsidised Petrol Control Scheme (SKPS) have yet to receive any response.
“Even among those approved, some operators have still not received their fleet cards.
“It needs to be stressed that operators are not raising fares unreasonably; rather, they are struggling under mounting operational pressures within the current system.
MCA vice-president Wee Jeck Seng
“The association has made it clear that operators are facing significant challenges under the SKPS mechanism, particularly due to the slow progress in finalising subsidy quotas,” Wee said in a statement.
The Tanjung Piai MP stressed that the government cannot ask the people to be grateful and endure hardship while, on the other hand, ignore voices from the ground.
“This issue not only affects the operational viability of operators but also reflects a disconnect between policy execution and the realities faced by the people.
“While policies claim to protect critical sectors, in practice, school bus operators are left to navigate applications, delays, follow-ups, and uncertainty on their own.
“We may not be able to control global developments or influence energy prices, but the government must act on what is within its control to reduce the burden on the rakyat during this crisis. Hence, the government needs to act swiftly and stop offering excuses,” he added.
Some operators using own Budi95 quota
Previously, Federation of School Bus Associations Malaysia president Amali Munif Rahmat said operating costs had risen sharply, and operators would have no choice but to increase fares from next month if the issue remained unresolved.
He added that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the Finance Ministry must find a solution to ease the burden of rising operational costs and fares.
“We have submitted application letters for SKPS quotas for school buses under the federation twice, in January and March, but there has been no response,” he told the New Straits Times.
He said the requested quota included fuel subsidies for school vehicles and drivers, estimated at 800 litres.
“However, there are school bus operators who have been approved for the subsidy but have yet to receive their fleet cards.
“Some have had to rely on their own Budi95 quota to refuel because the assistance provided is insufficient,” he added.
“The association has made it clear that operators are facing significant challenges under the SKPS mechanism, particularly due to the slow progress in finalising subsidy quotas,” Wee said in a statement.
The Tanjung Piai MP stressed that the government cannot ask the people to be grateful and endure hardship while, on the other hand, ignore voices from the ground.
“This issue not only affects the operational viability of operators but also reflects a disconnect between policy execution and the realities faced by the people.
“While policies claim to protect critical sectors, in practice, school bus operators are left to navigate applications, delays, follow-ups, and uncertainty on their own.
“We may not be able to control global developments or influence energy prices, but the government must act on what is within its control to reduce the burden on the rakyat during this crisis. Hence, the government needs to act swiftly and stop offering excuses,” he added.
Some operators using own Budi95 quota
Previously, Federation of School Bus Associations Malaysia president Amali Munif Rahmat said operating costs had risen sharply, and operators would have no choice but to increase fares from next month if the issue remained unresolved.
He added that the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry and the Finance Ministry must find a solution to ease the burden of rising operational costs and fares.
“We have submitted application letters for SKPS quotas for school buses under the federation twice, in January and March, but there has been no response,” he told the New Straits Times.
He said the requested quota included fuel subsidies for school vehicles and drivers, estimated at 800 litres.
“However, there are school bus operators who have been approved for the subsidy but have yet to receive their fleet cards.
“Some have had to rely on their own Budi95 quota to refuel because the assistance provided is insufficient,” he added.
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