The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has called upon the Ministry of Transport to take immediate and stringent measures against express bus companies found imposing exorbitant fares, reaching up to RM862, for a round trip between Gopeng, Perak, and Johor Bahru, as reported by a Penang couple. 

N.V Subbarow, the Senior Educational Officer at CAP, revealed that they recently received a complaint from a distressed consumer who, along with his wife, was charged significantly higher fares for two bus services during the Chinese New Year holidays.

The round-trip fares were astonishingly elevated as reported, ranging between 270% and 344% higher than the usual RM70 per person.

The couple, who reportedly purchased the bus tickets online a month before the Chinese New Year celebration, expressed dismay at being charged RM190 for the journey from Johor Bahru to Gopeng. He initiated his trip on February 9th, departing on a Friday, and subsequently paid RM241.00 per person for the return trip from Gopeng to Johor Bahru on the same day. The cumulative amount paid by the couple for the round trip reached a staggering RM862!

CAP has labeled this scenario as a clear case of consumer exploitation by express bus companies during the festive season. According to CAP, these companies are generating significant profits from consumers, particularly those in the B40 group, using celebratory occasions as a cover.

What do you think can be done to curb these issues? Comment below.

Source: Kosmo!