Sarawak, the biggest state in Malaysia whose land area is almost the size of Peninsular Malaysia, will be hardest hit by last week’s fuel price hike.

The state’s transportation, both land and sea, is expected to see a substantial increase in cost as a result of the price hike.

Already, the Sarawak School Bus Association (SSBA) in Kuching said the monthly fares of school buses will go up between RM10 and RM50 beginning tomorrow, while its counterpart in Miri has made a similar announcement, also to take effect tomorrow.

The Kuching Container Transportation Association has announced an increase of 35 percent in their transportation fares with a minimum increase of RM50 per trip, effective Monday.

Meanwhile, lorry operators and owners associations throughout the state has increased their transportation charges by 30 to 50 percent.

“Logistics and transportation are an essential components of the economic wheel to convey cargo and passengers and provide related services (in the state),” lamented PKR Stampin division chairperson See Chee How.

He said the “unjustified and ill-planned” hike to raise petrol and diesel prices - 41 percent and 63 percent respectively - has adversely affected the transportation sector in the state.

PM to visit Kuching tomorrow

According to See, transport operators who are left with little choice but to raise their fares and charges, will undoubtedly fuel inflation and increase the hardships of Malaysians as basic food costs go up.

“The move (to increase fuel prices) is leading to a runaway inflation in the country,” he added.

“The government must now take measures, both monetary and fiscal policies, and find the most appropriate solutions under the circumstances to prevent a further escalation in transportation costs ... especially in the rural and coastal areas,” he added.

In the wake of the fuel price hike, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is expected to visit Sarawak tomorrow to meet with state Barisan Nasional leaders.

One of the issues to be discussed will be how the government can soften the blow of the price hike in a state which produces a sizable portion of the nation’s oil.

A senior BN leader has yesterday called for BN to convene a special meeting to discuss the issue.

Parti Rakyat Sarawak president Dr James Masing, who mooted the idea, said the meeting would enable Abdullah to brief them on the rationale for the price hike.