School bus fares will not be increased despite the weekly fuel price float, assured Mohd Ropik Mohd Yusof, president of the Association of School Bus Malaysia (GPBSM).

"Although fuel prices will float on a weekly basis, it will not have any effect on school bus fares in 2019. However, I hope all parties, including entrepreneurs, to not take advantage of the implementation of the fuel price float," he said.

He added that if parents feel burdened by the bus fares, there are other school bus fare options that they can consider. However, he said, bus operators currently need to bear the high cost of bus operations and maintenance.

Hence, he hoped the Transport Ministry would approve their application for diesel price to be set at RM1 per litre to all school bus operators. "GPBSM had made this request a long time ago, for fuel rates to be at RM1 flat rate for all school buses. We hope our nationwide request will get the government's attention and consideration," he said.

A formal application was given to Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook when the minister officiated the association's annual general meeting recently. Mohd Ropik said if the application for a flat rate is approved, it will help operators with operation and maintenance costs.