The government approved the sharp RM20 hike for the KLIA express rail service because Express Rail Link's (ERL) operations costs doubled.

Deputy Transport Minister Abdul Aziz Kaprawi today said this was why the government allowed such a steep fare hike.

"They justified their operations cost, which is double from before.

"This was after their request to raise fares as per their agreement was rejected by the government for 14 years," Aziz told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

He added that ERL had been incurring losses because of the postponed fare hike.

Aziz, however, noted that those who use the KLIA Express service regularly should get the monthly travel pass which can save them up to 40 percent.

When asked if the government would ask ERL to revise the fare hike, he passed the buck to the Land Public Transport Commission (Spad), saying the latter was responsible,

Pressed further on whether the government would meet Spad, the deputy minister gave a hurried "yes".

"Yes, yes, yes, okay, thank you," Aziz said before leaving.