Govt to replace tolls with ‘cheaper’ congestion charge at 4 highways

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 23 Feb 2019 7:29PM · 1 Comments

The government says that during the off-peak period between 11pm and 5am, commuters will travel on the highways for free, but will pay discounted rates up to 30% compared with existing toll rates at other 'normal' travelling hours. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, February 23, 2019.

THE government plans to take over four tolled highways and replace tolls with a congestion charge which will vary between peak and non-peak hours.

“Upon successful takeover of the highways, the government intends to abolish the existing toll mechanism.

“In its place, a congestion charge will be introduced where commuters will only pay a congestion charge equivalent to the existing toll for six peak period hours a day,” said the Prime Minister’s Office in a statement today.

During the off-peak period between 11pm and 5am, commuters will travel on the highways for free.

However, at other “normal” travelling hours, commuters will enjoy discounted rates up to 30% compared with existing toll rates.

The Prime Minister’s Office said the government has commenced talks with Gamuda Bhd to negotiate the acquisition of the four highways.

The highways are Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong (LDP), Sistem Penyuraian Trafik KL Barat (SPRINT), Lebuhraya Shah Alam (KESAS), and the SMART Tunnel.

Gamuda has a majority stake in these highways.

The statement said the decision to acquire the highways was part of Pakatan Harapan’s promise in its election manifesto.

It said PH planned to take steps to acquire highway concessions and abolish toll collection in stages, in accordance to the terms of the concession agreement.

It also said the revenue collected from the congestion charge will go towards the operations and maintenance of the highways and repayment of debts.

“Any surplus collected will then be channelled into a public transportation fund to improve the quality of public transport in Malaysia.”

Further details on the proposed exercise will be announced by the finance minister at the appropriate time. 

On Thursday, Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin had said that the government would make an important announcement on toll collections soon.

Earlier today, former prime minister Najib Razak said the government was making an announcement on tolls just to fish for votes in the Semenyih by-election. – February 23, 2019.

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Comments

  • Najib Razak said the government was making an announcement on tolls just to fish for votes in the Semenyih by-election. Didnt he claimed the Batu Tiga toll abolished before the GE and worst part is that the Batu Tiga toll concessions was due to be lifted, pure liar and opportunist.

    For me any moves to reduce the toll rates and its gradual abolishment is acceptable, including the cost of living.

    Posted 5 years ago by Teruna Kelana · Reply