Putrajaya studying ‘attractive’ bid for PLUS highway, says minister

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 26 Aug 2019 9:45AM · 3 Comments

Works Minister Baru Bian says no decision has yet been made on the Maju Holdings-PLUS proposal, or any other proposals concerning the takeover of any tolled highways. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, August 26, 2019.

THE Works Ministry is evaluating an “attractive” proposal submitted by Maju Holdings to take over the PLUS highway, said Baru Bian.

The works minister said in a statement that the proposal involves a significant reduction in toll rates.

“The ministry has received the proposal by Maju Holdings, and is still in the process of evaluating its merits and feasibility. The proposed offer, which  involves a significant reduction in toll rates, appears attractive,” he said.

However, he added that no decision has yet been made on the Maju Holdings-PLUS proposal, or any other proposals concerning the takeover of any tolled highways.

He added his ministry would table in cabinet The Way Forward for Toll Roads in Malaysia report early next month, which will be based on a report prepared by an independent consultant in January 2019. 

“Only after a cabinet decision is made will the government be able to seriously consider all proposals on the taking over of tolled highways in the country, including the Maju Holdings-PLUS offer.” 

It was previously reported that the government had received proposals for the takeover of 15 highways, including the North-South Expressway (NSE) operated by PLUS.

Last week, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said the government was still considering Maju Holdings’ proposal.

“If Maju Holdings wants to take over the highway, we will have to look into its proposal first.

“It should have tolls; if it wants to abolish tolls, it won’t be able to get back its money (from the highway takeover).

“Its proposal includes reducing toll rates, mending roads and many more… we are considering everything,” Dr Mahathir had said. – August 26, 2019.

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Comments

  • Khazanah and EPF already control Plus. Why need to bring in Maju Holding? Government can control Plus. Just reduce the toll rate. Don't have to abolish now.

    Posted 4 years ago by Penganalisa L · Reply

  • Regardless if its plus or maju or whoever for that matter for the man on the streets, If its well documented in the proposal which later translated into a biding contract that says no more price hike and that the roll rates would gradually be reduce with a time frame tight to it and eventually its handed back to JKR to maintain it or if the concessionaires wants to maintain it a different contract should be on the table for other bidders to participate with a clear scope of work and cost effect to it be established. Don't make these highways where we Malaysian has to pay until kingdom comes.

    Posted 4 years ago by Teruna Kelana · Reply

  • If Maju bungkus, who will bail out?

    Posted 4 years ago by H. Mokhtar · Reply