The Northern Region Commercial Transport Operators’ Association has increased the commercial vehicle service charge by five percent effective today.

Its president, Yusoff Ismail, said the increase was approved by 1,000 of its members, who are also commercial vehicle operators, following the 20 sen increase of the RON 95 petrol and diesel announced by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak on Monday.

He said the decision to increase the service charge was made after taking into consideration the additional cost of between RM130 and 150, which has to be borne by the operators, for each trip from Alor Setar to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

“Before the fuel price hike, each commercial vehicle will use between 700 and 800 litres of diesel at RM1.80 per litre. With the 20 sen increase, it will definitely increase the cost,” he told reporters after meeting with lorry operators at the Mergong Industrial Area in Alor Setar today.

However, he said the new service charge was still low and reasonable and would not burden the public.

- Bernama