PUTRAJAYA, MALAYSIA: New and increased rates for public transportation, including stage buses, taxis and school buses, will be announced early next year, said Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar.

He said the new rates would take into consideration public interest and the industry's, as well as the many incentives the government had announced in Budget 2009 for the public transport sector.

"I cannot say how much the increase will be as the ministry is still trying to determine the most appropriate rates for taxis, as well as stage, express and school buses.

"However, I do not forsee the hike to be 100% as requested by some players in the industry," he told reporters after attending the ministry's family day on Sunday.

Noh gave his assurance that the new rates to be approved by the Government would not burden the low-wage earners who made up a large majority of the public transport users.

"At the same time, we also have to consider the needs and abilities of transport companies to ensure they can continue to provide effective and efficient services to the public.

"We do not want them to "close shop" because it will only cause an inconvenience and burden to the public," he said, adding he was informed by SME Bank that many bus companies that had taken up loans with the bank could not afford to service their loans. --THE STAR