Tourism group warns of shutdown over diesel price hike

2026-03-18 - 14:40

Mita said tour bus and van providers rely entirely on diesel for their daily operations. PETALING JAYA: Tourism transportation operators may be forced to shut down if the government does not step in with a diesel subsidy following the latest increase in diesel prices as a result of the war in the Middle East, an association warned today. The price of diesel in West Malaysia will go up by 80 sen from tomorrow, following a similar 80 sen increase the week before. The Malaysian Inbound Tourism Association (Mita) said the increasing price of diesel places significant pressure on tourism transportation operators such as tour bus and van providers that rely entirely on diesel for their daily operations. “If the government does not provide a special diesel subsidy for the tourism transportation sector, many operators will have no choice but to shut down their businesses due to the rising operational costs,” said Mita vice-president (transport) Logeswaran K Sukumar in a statement. “We strongly urge the government to immediately consider a diesel subsidy for tourism transportation operators to ensure that the sector can continue operating and supporting the tourism industry in Malaysia.” Earlier today, the finance ministry said the price of diesel in West Malaysia will go up by 80 sen from tomorrow, from RM3.92 to RM4.72 a litre, because of the Middle East conflict. This comes on the back of another 80 sen increase on March 12, when the price of diesel in West Malaysia increased from RM3.12 to RM3.92. The increase from RM3.12 to RM4.72 amounts to a 51% spike. The ministry said although Malaysia is an oil-producing country, petroleum products for domestic use are still obtained on the global market. However, it said it was maintaining the price of RON95 to protect Malaysians from the impact of the price hikes, especially ahead of the Aidilfitri festivities, when many people will be returning to their hometowns.