KUALA LUMPUR: The Transport Ministry is proposing a special electricity tariff for the public transport sector to ease the financial burden on operators.
Its minister Anthony Loke said the current electricity charges for these operators are the same as those for businesses, which makes it financially challenging for the sector.
"One of the key issues we are addressing at the ministry is advocating for a special electricity rate for public transport.
"We are looking into a special tariff for operators, both public and private, to encourage the growth of public transport," Loke added in a Bernama report on Tuesday (Jan 7).
He emphasised that the current charges are costly, and the proposed special tariff could significantly alleviate the operators' financial strain.
Loke said this in a forum at the CGS International's 17th Annual Malaysia Corporate Day here, chaired by CGS International Securities Malaysia independent director Tan Sri Shahril Ridza Ridzuan.
He said operators such as Mass Rapid Transit, Light Rail Transit and Prasarana spend 30% to 35% of their operating expenses on electricity, while Keretapi Tanah Melayu’s electricity costs amount to 35% due to the current system.
