The Transport Ministry is the latest to throw brickbats at the Land Public Transport Commission (Spad) for raising taxi, bus and train fares.

Its deputy minister Abdul Aziz Kaprawi said the commission should have discussed the matter with the Transport Ministry and the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry before making a decision which burdens the people.

"The public transport price hikes announced by Spad has to get input from all parties to ensure it doesn't burden consumers.

"We should not burden the people, especially those who use public transport in their daily lives. Because if it continues, it will raise their expenses," he lashed out in a statement today.

Spad yesterday announced a 20 to 70 percent hike for taxi, and express bus fares nationwide while Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTMB) also made a similar announcement for its KTM Komuter fares..

Abdul Aziz ( right ) said while he understood the challenges faced by public transport operators, any fare hike would have to be carefully studied.

"I understand the problems faced by public transport companies and taxi owners, however the government must study and review this fare hike.

"The 20 to 67 percent hike is too high," he said.

Abdul Aziz, who is also an Umno supreme council member, is not the only member of the ruling party critical of the hike.

Yesterday  Umno Youth exco member Ibdillah Ishak alleged the announcement was a form of anti-government sabotage .