Groups question differing toll discounts for major holidays

TWO associations have questioned the different discounts offered by toll concessionaires during major festivities, Tamil Nesan reported.

Consumer Association of Penang education officer N.V. Subbarao said one of the concession holders gave a 20% discount during the recent Deepavali festival.

It pointed out that this was lower than the 30% given during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and the 60% during the Chinese New Year period.

Subbarao questioned the different rates and called for a 50% discount during all major festivals.

Consumers Association of Subang and Shah Alam, Selangor president Datuk Dr Jacob George said concessionaires should make the highways “completely free” during major festivals.

Despite bad congestion and road conditions, he claimed concession holders continue to charge full rates all year round.

> A man in Kerala, India, was arrested for failing to give way to an ambulance, the daily also reported.

Paramedics were reportedly transporting a newborn baby with respiratory problems.

The driver failed to give way for nearly 4km, causing a 15-minute delay.

Drivers failing to give way to emergency vehicles is a serious problem in India.