Parliamentarians too are feeling the pinch over the decision to hike fuel prices and today they aired their grouses at the Dewan Rakyat.

"Last night, I went to the 7-11 and found that the Dutch Lady milk price has increased from RM3.90 to RM4.20," said Idris Haron (BN-Tangga Batu).

Salahuddin Ayub (PAS-Kubang Kerian), who frequently travels by bus between his constituency and Kuala Lumpur, asked if bus fares would be hiked.

The opposition MP said based on his experience, bus fare is increased every time fuel prices go up, even during the last hike in July 2005.

"The Johor Baru-KL bus fare was initially RM20.50 and it increased to RM25.30 during the last fuel hike whereas Kota Baru-KL was adjusted from RM26.10 to RM30.50," he added.

He wanted the government to assure that bus fares would not be increased if the government was committed to use the RM4.4 billion saved from fuel subsidies to enhance public transportation.

The MPs were debating on the motion to thank the royal address.

Step up enforcement

Idris said the government should use a portion of the amount to step up enforcement and surveillance on the illegal increase of the prices of goods following the fuel price hike.

Dr Wee Ka Siong (BN-Ayer Itam), an expert in transport planning, said a survey should be conducted on how to improve public transportation to ensure that the money would be well-spent.

"No detailed survey has been conducted in terms of connectivity of the roads and the public transportation system," he added.

Mohd Said Yusof (BN-Jasin) criticised the opposition for 'exploiting' the issue for their political mileage despite it being only a 30 sen increase.

"We should abolish the subsidies, look at our neighbouring countries like Singapore and Thailand. We want to be a subsidised country until when?" asked the backbencher.

He said the RM4.4 billion should be used to increase the salary of civil servants and build infrastructures in rural areas.

Jimmy Donald (BN-Sri Aman) proposed that each parliamentary constituency be given an extra allocation of RM1 million to enhance their facilities.

While Lau Yeng Peng (BN-Puchong) said the money should be spent to build more light railway transit stations at places with high traffic volume such as Puchong and Petaling Jaya.

'People's, not Umno reps'

Fong Po Kuan (DAP-Batu Gajah) refuted the claim that the opposition was exploiting the issue.

"We love this country too. But the problem is, we and the rakyat are not convinced that the RM4.4 billion would be well spent," she said.

Fong cited a media report last June which stated that the government had to allocate RM3 billion to revive some 80 abandoned government projects amounting to a total of RM8 billion.

"Don't forget we are the people's representatives, not Umno representatives," she reminded her peers.

Chong Eng (DAP-Bukit Mertajam) also questioned the legality of the government to stop traders selling non-controlled items from raising their prices following the latest development.

"Those selling bihun, teh tarik and vegetables are also hit by the fuel hike but they're not allowed to raise the price. Is this reasonable or is the government bullying the small fries?" she asked.

The debate on the royal address will continue until March 27, after which the ministries are given two days to reply.