‘TOLLS TO BE ABOLISHED, BUT IN STAGES’
Govt needs to study issue as it involves many stakeholders, says deputy minister
THE government will not rush into making a decision on the abolishment of highway toll collection. Instead, it will conduct further studies on the matter as it involves the interests of many, including toll concessionaires.
Deputy Works Minister Mohd Anuar Tahir said the ministry was in discussion with the Malaysian Highway Authority, which worked with concessionaires.
He said although this was among the promises in Pakatan Harapan’s 100-day manifesto, the move to abolish tolls required thorough research.
“The government has to be responsible for all quarters, including the concession holders, employees who will be affected and others. The move will be carried out in stages and will take time,” he told the New Straits Times Press.
He said said several agencies, including the Finance and Transport Ministries, were involved in studying the move.
“We are taking into account the views of stakeholders, such as the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), which has a stake in PLUS Malaysia Bhd.”
Anuar was commenting on remarks by EPF chief executive officer Datuk Shahril Ridza Ridzuan, who had said it was unlikely that the government would be able to abolish toll collection within 100 days due to the complexity of the issue, and because the government had other priorities to address.
His views were echoed by economist Datuk Jalilah Baba, who said the abolition of toll collection was a complicated process and required buy-ins from various parties.
She said the 100-day deadline was not as important as studying the plan for any possible flaw.
“Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had said the manifesto is not a ‘bible’.
“There are things that can be accomplished in 100 days and there are those that require careful study.
“Any decision made has to be compatible with laws and regulations, not to mention the need to be aware of its impact on relevant parties, as well as the people.”
She said a study must be done to assess how much money the public would save if the move was carried out.
“The intention may be noble, which is to help the people, but what about other costs related to agreements with toll concessionaires? Will there be any penalty?”
She said other than the toll issue, there were other pressing matters the government needed to prioritise, such as the cost of living and conducting business.