PUTRAJAYA may not abolish tolls in the foreseeable future, and instead, is looking at alternatives to provide relief to motorists, said Works Minister Baru Bian.

He said the ministry is looking at suggestions, such as rebates, fixing toll rates for a few years and reducing the rates.

The Selangau MP said the government is not in a position to do away with toll concessions for the time being.

“There is an implication for the government because the contract has been signed, and you cannot just amend contracts unless the decision is mutually agreed to by the signatories,” he said at the Malaysia: A New Dawn investment conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Baru last week denied saying a government decision on abolishing highway tolls would be made known in two to three months.

“The decision has been stated in Parliament. It’s very clear that we are holding (back) the abolition of tolls until the (country’s) financial situation is back to healthy levels,” he said in response to a report on the matter.

“It involves finances and banks, and we cannot unilaterally make an announcement. The abolition is withheld, but other alternatives are possible. The Works and Finance Ministries will decide on what to be proposed to the cabinet.”

Last week, Baru said his ministry has received proposals from highway concessionaires.

The Employees Provident Fund has a 49% stake in toll operator PLUS Malaysia Bhd, while Khazanah Nasional Bhd unit UEM Group Bhd owns the remaining equity.

There are some 30 expressways in the country, with a total length exceeding 2,000km.

Concessionaires that pay for these highways’ maintenance include PLUS Malaysia, IJM Corp Bhd, WCE Holdings Bhd, Taliworks Corp Bhd, Ahmad Zaki Resources Bhd, Gamuda Bhd, Bina Puri Holdings Bhd, Ekovest Bhd, Lingkaran Trans Kota Holdings Bhd and Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd. – October 9, 2018.