The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents says the measure is to offset additional fuel costs and not generate profit.
Its president, Nigel Wong, said operators are increasingly unable to absorb higher fuel costs, with many operating on thin margins while meeting contractual obligations.
Citing a recent survey, the association said 68.5% of tour van operators consume more than 1,500 litres of diesel per vehicle a month, while 54.8% of tour bus operators use more than 3,500 litres a bus a month.
“A temporary and transparent fuel surcharge mechanism, combined with targeted government support, will help the industry navigate this challenging period while maintaining service standards across Malaysia’s tourism sector,” Wong said in a statement.
He said the surcharge should mirror mechanisms used in the aviation industry, with each company determining rates based on actual fuel usage and operational costs.
He also said the surcharge should only offset additional fuel costs and not generate profit.
Matta vice-president of land transportation Subramaniam Kandasamy, called for targeted government intervention, proposing diesel subsidies of up to 3,500 litres a month for each vehicle operated by tour transport companies.
“Tourism transport operators are not in a position to absorb continuous fuel cost increases,” he said, adding that the proposed monthly allocation would provide immediate relief to operators struggling to sustain operations under current market conditions.
He said Matta remains committed to working with the government and industry stakeholders to ensure the long-term sustainability of the tourism sector.
The price of diesel in West Malaysia will increase by 50 sen tomorrow to RM6.02 per litre.
The price of diesel has increased by RM2.90 over the past four weeks due to energy supply constraints caused by the war in the Middle East. -FMT
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