Abolition of motorcycle toll, among achievements of Works Ministry

KUALA LUMPUR: The abolition of motorcycle toll at three routes, which has benefited about 72,000 motorcycle riders everyday, is among the achievements by the Works Ministry since Pakatan Harapan (PH) took over the government a year ago.

Others included the opening of the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) branches in the remote areas, including Sibu, in Sarawak.

Works Minister Baru Bian said the motorcycle toll was abolished since January this year and the move benefited 20,000 motorcyclists at the Penang Bridge; Sultan Abdul Halim Mua’dzam Shah Bridge (2,000 motorcyclists) and 50,000 motorcyclists at the Tanjung Kupang toll plaza in Johor everyday.

He said the move enabled motorcyclists to enjoy toll-free access 19 years earlier than stipulated in the agreement with the highway concessionaire for route involving the Penang Bridge and Sultan Abdul Halim Mua’dzam Shah Bridge, and 34 years earlier for the Tanjung Kupang toll plaza.

“The people’s cost of living is also reduced as motorcyclists using the affected routes enjoy savings of RM24 to RM66 a month,” he told a special media conference in conjunction with PH’s first year in government last Friday.

On PH’s move to take over the concessions of highways in the country, Baru said an impact study was being carried out by an independent consultant and is scheduled to be ready next month.

“We will study the report and submit it to the cabinet to decide on the next course of action,” he added.

On the opening of CIDB branch in Sibu last March 23, he said it was a success as it enabled CIDB to expand its services to the remote areas. - Bernama