Parents of children who take the school bus will face a price hike starting next month, as fares are set to increase for the 2025 school session, beginning in February.

According to a report by Utusan, the Malaysian School Bus Operators Association (GPBSM) has confirmed that the fare increase will range from RM5 to RM10 per student.

The hike is based on negotiations between bus operators and parents, meaning the final increase will vary depending on their mutual agreement. If parents are dissatisfied with the new fare, they can choose to switch to a different bus operator that better suits their budget. Typically, the increase will be between RM5 and RM10, which both parties consider reasonable.

GPBSM president Mohd Rofik Mohd Yusof emphasized that the decision to raise school bus fares was made solely through discussions between operators and parents, without government involvement. He also urged school bus and van operators across the country to communicate with parents and guardians before finalizing any fare changes.

Earlier reports suggested that school bus fares could increase by RM10 to RM20, citing rising costs for spare parts and the introduction of a new minimum wage. This proposal faced backlash from groups like the National Parent-Teacher Associations Consultative Council (PIBGN), whose president called for prior consultations with parents, schools, and PIBG before any fare adjustments were made.

Additionally, the Malaysian Competition Commission (MyCC) issued a warning against business associations openly announcing expected price hikes, labeling it as an effort to mislead the public and potentially engage in cartel-like practices.