Motorists hail toll-free drive
Sungai Rasau and Batu Tiga road users can now breathe sigh of relief
KLANG: After more than two decades of “feeling the pain” at the Sungai Rasau and Batu Tiga toll plazas, it will now be a breeze as motorists enter and exit Shah Alam and Klang.
The final drop of the barrier at both toll plazas at midnight on Sunday signified the end of toll collection there for 24 years.
The toll fare at Batu Tiga was RM1.10, while that charged at Sungai Rasau was RM1.
Selangor Action Team president L. Segaran, who had been campaigning for the end of toll collection at the plazas, said he was grateful that it was finally a reality.
“We worked hard and our efforts have not been in vain. We thank Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for his big heart,’’ he said, describing it as the best New Year gift to the people of Klang and Shah Alam.
Retired teacher Patricia Lim said the toll abolishment meant a lot to those who travelled in and out of Klang regularly.
“I travel to my farm in Kerling quite often and have to pay a big amount for toll,” said Lim who lives in Persiaran Raja Muda Musa here.
Pharmacist Julian Tze said doing away with the toll was the best way to usher in 2018.
Tze, who travels from Port Klang to Shah Alam daily, said his expen ses would be greatly reduced.
“I am grateful as it is difficult financially for many of us at this time,’’ he added.
During the event at the Sungai Rasau toll plaza, Shah Alam Umno Youth members held a flashmob to celebrate the event.
Toll collection was also abolished at Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah and at the Eastern Dispersal Link in Johor from midnight on Sunday.
The Works Ministry said motorists at three toll plazas – namely the Sungai Rasau, Batu Tiga and Bukit Kayu Hitam plazas – were given toll free access 20 years earlier than the period stipulated in the NorthSouth Expressway concession agreement.