The impending 30 percent hike in public transport fares due to rise in fuel pump price is one of many in the chain of price hikes expected, says consumer NGO Turun.

Turun spokesperson Muhammad Afiq Awang Bakar said that following the fare hike will be hikes in cost of everyday consumer goods, including sundry goods, due to transportation costs.

“The question for ministers now is, will the government wait until the rakyat are starving before it acts?” he asked.

Calling for another protest this Friday, Turun said such “madness” and “cruelty” needed to be opposed.

The NGO caught the limelight by heralding 2014 on New Year's Eve with a large protest against rising cost of living.

“Islam never taught us to keep quiet in the face of a ruler’s cruelty like this. In fact, upholding justice is a form of piety,” Muhammad Afiq said.

“A 30 percent rise in bus fares is huge for the average person, especially students. For example, a one-way ticket to Kota Baru from Kuala Lumpur will go up from RM40.10 to RM52.13.

“So a roundtrip would cost more than RM100, and yet the schoolboy minister says price hikes do not burden the rakyat. Does he have a heart and mind?” Muhammad Afiq asked.

“We urge all Malaysians to join us… we will gather so as to sober up this government from its prolonged intoxication.”

Last week Land Transport Commission (SPAD) announced   that a 30 percent hike in bus fares is on the cards following the cut in fuel subsidies.

SPAD chairperson Syed Hamid Albar said the proposal to the government was in its final round.

Related stories

MP says gov't overpaying for Proton Perdana fleet  

PM: No turning back for GST implementation

Civil servants praised for creating billionaires  

Consumers to hit streets again as fares go up

Pua: Will 1MDB change accountants, again?