Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin said this was reflected in the higher number of new motorcycles registered with the Road Transport Department, while the registration of new cars had declined.

In May, 42,046 new motorcycles were registered with the department while 51,188 were registered in June, followed by 59,412 in July and 49,047 in August.

He said from January to August, 389,254 motorcycles were registered compared with 484,598 motorcycles for last year.

"This sudden increase could be related to the petrol price increase," he said when replying to a question by Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing (BN-Bintulu) yesterday.

The government cut fuel subsidies in June, resulting in the price of petrol increasing from RM1.92 to RM2.70 per litre (RON 97).

Lajim said more people also used public transport. From January to August, the LRT, KL Monorail and Komuter recorded 248 million passengers compared with 169 million last year and 161 million in 2006.

On another matter, he said the government was drafting a bill to curb the Mat Rempit menace.

"It will allow us to arrest, impose a fine or charge motorcyclists who don't use special lanes provided for them."

Meanwhile, Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development Minister Datuk Noh Omar said an increase in taxi fares could be expected next year.

He said the new fares would be announced early next year after the ministry had completed its studies.