HIGHWAY TO
Abolition of several tolls in Selangor, Kedah and Johor will ease people’s burden
KUALA LUMPUR
EXPANSIVE focus on ease of transport and connectivity will serve social needs as well as economic advancement. Following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s announcement to abolish several tolls in three states, conduct a feasibility study on the Labuan-Sabah Bridge and increase public transport fund, authorities and lawmakers believe these would lead to socioeconomic progress.
The abolition of tolls at Batu Tiga and Sungai Rasau in Selangor, Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah and the Eastern Dispersal Link in Johor, come Jan 1, would ease the people’s burden, especially those who commute daily on routes linked to the toll plazas.
Tanjung Karang parliamentarian Tan Sri Noh Omar said the toll plazas at Batu Tiga and Sungai Rasau were a bane to motorists, especially during peak hours.
“The traffic flow results in gridlock, especially in the morning at the Batu Tiga toll plaza,” said Noh, who is also urban wellbeing, housing and local government minister.
Shah Alam parliamentary coordinator and Umno division chief Datuk Azhari Shaari said motorists could save up to RM120 a month after the scrapping of the Batu Tiga and Sungai Rasau tolls.
“It is unfair to Shah Alam and Klang residents. They have to spend a lot of money if they want to travel to Kuala Lumpur via the Federal Highway. People living in Subang, meanwhile, don’t have to go through the tolls.”
In a joint-statement by UEM Group Bhd (UEM Group) and Employees Provident Fund (EPF), the termination of the three toll plazas under PLUS Malaysia Bhd would not result in a decline in the quality and safety of highways.
UEM Group and EPF are major shareholders of PLUS.
Motorists at the Batu Tiga toll plaza in Selangor.
“The announcement follows a series of discussions held between the government and UEM Group, as well as EPF.
“UEM Group will continue to safeguard highways that form the backbone of the peninsula, guide PLUS management to preserve as well as improve its financial viability, and, at the same time, continue to be conscious of people’s welfare and needs, which includes providing safe, well-maintained highways and pleasant user experience.
“As a major investor, EPF is committed to sustainable returns to our members, while delivering value to the people and highway users.”
On the proposed LabuanSabah Bridge, the Labuan International Business and Financial Centre said it was imperative for the federal territory to be widely accessible.
“We expect that once completed, this bridge will facilitate further development of the jurisdiction,
by enhancing its physical and digital connectivity, as well as expanding the talent pool available for its growth.”
The Land Public Transport Commission (SPAD) said an allocation of RM45 million to introduce technology-based initiatives would meet the need to minimise accidents caused by human errors and fatigue, especially among express bus drivers.
Similar sentiment on improving socio-economic needs was expressed following the offering of RM5,000 grand for taxi drivers planning to switch to e-hailing.
“SPAD will ensure that public transport is well positioned to be the preferred mode of transport for the people.”
On Najib’s announcement that a study was being carried out on the possibility of a new airport in Pulau Tioman, Pahang Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsuddin said such a project was necessary to keep the state abreast with Visit Malaysia Year 2020.