KUALA LUMPUR - Tour bus and tour van operators in Malaysia will be allowed to increase prices by up to 80 per cent under a new guideline issued by the Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (MITA)

The pricing guide took effect immediately on March 30.

MITA president Mint Leong said the move is necessary for the survival of tourism operators.

She said rising diesel prices have placed severe pressure on industry players.

“Therefore with that, we announce today price increase for tour buses and tour vans.

“We are forced to do that because we want to let our industry players survive first before we can serve tourists.

“We increase it by around 70 to 80 per cent from calculations for tour bus and tour vans per day, based on the destination,” she said at a press conference on Monday, as reported by Malay Mail.

Leong said the new pricing serves as a ceiling or maximum rate.

She said operators may charge below the stated levels but should not exceed them.

The guideline aims to ensure transparency across the tourism sector, which also intended to provide clarity for international tour agencies and travellers.

Leong said the framework will help prevent overcharging while allowing operators to adjust prices sustainably.

“For our players, they become more confident, because a lot of players don’t know how much should I increase, how much should I charge.

“You can charge below, but please don’t overcharge,” she said.

She added that the pricing guide was developed collectively by industry stakeholders.

The measure is intended as a short-term solution to stabilise the sector.

Leong described it as a “quick win” to help operators continue delivering reliable services.

At the same briefing, MITA called on the government to introduce targeted fuel subsidies.

It proposed monthly subsidies for 3,000 litres for tour buses with 40 to 45 seats.

Tour van operators would receive support for up to 2,500 litres.

Leong said prices could be reduced if subsidies are introduced.

“But reduced by how much, next time we will announce.

“But we have to survive first before we continue our journey,” she said.

In June 2024, the government removed diesel subsidies in Peninsular Malaysia.

This ended the previous price cap of RM2.15 per litre.

Diesel prices were subsequently floated to RM3.35 per litre and are now adjusted weekly.

Leong said the industry had previously sought subsidies in 2024 but was unsuccessful.

Operators responded by raising prices by 20 per cent at the time.

She said the industry does not blame the government for rising fuel costs.

However, she said operators can no longer absorb the increases.

Diesel prices stood at RM3.04 per litre before the Iran conflict began on February 28, and have since risen sharply to RM5.52 per litre.