PAKATAN Harapan has done what Barisan Nasional failed to do when it comes to tolls, and all without incurring payment, said Tony Pua today.

The finance minister’s political secretary, in a statement, pointed to the reduced toll rates for motorists using PLUS Malaysia Bhd highways and the extension of its concession period.

He was addressing social media comments by former prime minister Najib Razak, who has been taking aim at the government since it announced last week an 18% reduction in toll rates and freeze until 2058.

“Najib Razak is spinning the toll issue simply because BN failed to do what has been done by PH.

“Under BN, concessions were extended several times, but toll rates never came down. In fact, they were increased every three years.”

When toll rates did not go up, said Pua, the BN administration had to pay compensation exceeding RM3 billion.

He listed the times BN extended PLUS’ concession and the percentage of toll rate increases.

In 1999, the concession agreement was extended for 12 years, from 2018 to 2030, with a toll rate hike of 26% to take place every three to five years.

In 2004, the concession was extended again for eight years, from 2030 to 2038, with a rate increase of 10% every three years.

In 2011, a restructuring of the agreement was carried out so that the rate would be increased 5% every three years, while the concessions for other highways under PLUS were extended until 2038, each with their own scheduled rate hikes.

Pua said PH has managed, for the first time in PLUS’ history, to reduce toll rates and maintain them until the end of the concession period.

“The restructuring that PH did, which involves freezing toll rates after the 18% discount, also does not involve a single sen in compensation from the government. This has saved the government RM26 billion.”

PLUS, Khazanah Nasional Bhd and Employees Provident Fund (EPF) shareholders get to retain control of the highway company, he added.

“As such, EPF dividends to Malaysians will not be affected.” – January 22, 2020.