Land cargo charges up drastically
By Jacqueline Raphael
The Borneo Post
June 6, 2008
No way for us to continue operations otherwise: Transport firms
MIRI: Public transport and land cargo charges have gone up by at least 50 per cent statewide since Thursday following the recent hike in fuel prices.
Speaking to The Borneo Post yesterday, the vice chairman of Sarawak Hire Lorry Association Goh Ah Foo said the increase in charges was necessary for the companies to continue to operate.
“All our members increased the price of their transportation services Thursday following the announcement of the new fuel prices on Wednesday.
“If we don’t increase the charges, there’s no way we can continue to operate. We are not only looking at the hike in fuel prices but also the dearer price of motor oil, tyres and batteries,??? he said when contacted.
Goh who is also the chairman of Miri Lorry Association, said customers needed to understand the problem faced by transportation companies and the cost they had to absorb in order to continue their operation.
“Previously, the fuel cost for one lorry from Miri to Bintulu was about RM150. But with the new price, it’s about RM200 or more per trip. This is too costly as our lorries are moving here and there all the time.
“Our customers rely on us for cargo and transportation, especially contractors who need us to deliver earth, gravel and sand to the construction sites. So we have no choice but to increase our prices,??? he added.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of Miri School Bus Association, Lee Geok Tin, when contacted yesterday, said she could not give any comment until the association had its meeting today.
Chairman of Miri Bus Association Yeo Yow Shun who was also contacted said he too could not make any comment yet.
He added that a press statement would be issued by their counterpart in Kuching within the next few days.
By Jacqueline Raphael
The Borneo Post
June 6, 2008
No way for us to continue operations otherwise: Transport firms
MIRI: Public transport and land cargo charges have gone up by at least 50 per cent statewide since Thursday following the recent hike in fuel prices.
Speaking to The Borneo Post yesterday, the vice chairman of Sarawak Hire Lorry Association Goh Ah Foo said the increase in charges was necessary for the companies to continue to operate.
“All our members increased the price of their transportation services Thursday following the announcement of the new fuel prices on Wednesday.
“If we don’t increase the charges, there’s no way we can continue to operate. We are not only looking at the hike in fuel prices but also the dearer price of motor oil, tyres and batteries,??? he said when contacted.
Goh who is also the chairman of Miri Lorry Association, said customers needed to understand the problem faced by transportation companies and the cost they had to absorb in order to continue their operation.
“Previously, the fuel cost for one lorry from Miri to Bintulu was about RM150. But with the new price, it’s about RM200 or more per trip. This is too costly as our lorries are moving here and there all the time.
“Our customers rely on us for cargo and transportation, especially contractors who need us to deliver earth, gravel and sand to the construction sites. So we have no choice but to increase our prices,??? he added.
Meanwhile, the chairperson of Miri School Bus Association, Lee Geok Tin, when contacted yesterday, said she could not give any comment until the association had its meeting today.
Chairman of Miri Bus Association Yeo Yow Shun who was also contacted said he too could not make any comment yet.
He added that a press statement would be issued by their counterpart in Kuching within the next few days.