DAP today urged the government to act against Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd (ERL) for its fare hike affecting the KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit.

"We want the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry to act against ERL," said Ng Wei Aik (DAP-Tanjong) at a press conference held at the Parliament's lobby.

"The fares for both KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit will increase from RM35 to RM55, a 55 percent hike. This is against Section 14 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act," he said.

The Land Public Transport Commission (Spad), which allowed the hike, should also act according to the law, he added.

"The law also allows the consumerism ministry to probe and take action against an operator," said Ng.

The ministry should not act against small traders while letting giant operators which have a monopoly on rail service off the hook,” said Teo Kok Seong (DAP-Rasah) who was present.

ERL announced on Tuesday that from Jan 1 next year, the fare for a one-way trip to KL Sentral and KLIA/KLIA2 will be RM55, an increase of RM20.

Under the current fare, a journey from KL Sentral to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) would cost RM4.20, Putrajaya/Cyberjaya (RM9.50) and Salak Tinggi (RM12.50).

After the increase, a journey from KL Sentral to TBS would cost RM6.50 while getting to Putrajaya/Cyberjaya and Salak Tinggi would cost RM14 and RM18.30 respectively.

ERL said it was working with its partners such as MasterCard to offer discounts to passengers.

The government today also defended the hike, stating that operational costs had doubled since 2002.

The company said the new price of RM55 was still at a discounted rate as it was authorised for a 83 percent hike to RM64 as per the terms of its concession.

It added that the KLIA Ekspres still offered the lowest airport rail transfer fare in the world.