Kota Kinabalu: Any form of decision, agreement, or understanding involving the setting of fares for tour buses or vans is strictly prohibited, as it could impact the country’s tourism market, said Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali.
He said the ministry takes seriously the substance of the recent press conference by the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita), which announced a new ceiling fare rate with immediate effect.
“While we acknowledge that rising diesel prices have implications for the industry’s operating costs, all parties must ensure that any actions comply with the existing legal framework.
“Therefore, any agreement, understanding, or joint decision by Mita, along with three other associations and bodies, regarding price setting, including minimum or ceiling fares, is prohibited,” he said on Tuesday.
Armizan added that such actions clearly contain elements of a cartel, which could negatively affect the national tourism market.
At the same time, the Malaysia Competition Commission (MyCC) is reviewing the conduct of these associations under Section 4(2)(a) of the Competition Act 2010.
On Monday, Mita announced a new ceiling fare for tour buses and vans to help operators and tourists adjust to the increase in diesel prices.
The move comes after tour buses, vans, and ferries were excluded from the national diesel subsidy mechanism following the abolition of the bulk subsidy in 2024.
Accordingly, the new fares set by Mita are up to RM1,100 for tour series, between RM1,900 and RM2,200 for domestic daily tours, and up to RM900 for van rentals.
These rates are effective until April 1, 2026, although Mita did not clarify whether the fares would continue beyond that date.
