The federal government currently has no intention of abolishing tolls here in Malaysia, said Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
In a written response to Padang Besar MP Rushdan Rusmi, who asked about the Anwar administration’s strategy to eliminate tolled highways, the minister said that a takeover of the existing highway concessionaires is currently not feasible due to the significant financial implications.
“For the honourable member’s information, the government is committed and focused in its agenda towards addressing rising cost of living and reducing such burdens on the people. However, at this point in time, the government is not planning to take over highway concessionaires who are in operation since the financial implications are high,” the minister wrote in the reply.
However, Nanta did add that the government would reconsider the plan when the country’s finance and fiscal situation permits.
The elimination of tolls, specifically along the North-South Expressway (PLUS), was a key point in Pakatan Harapan’s 15th general election manifesto. The PH coalition is currently part of a unity government that comprises most political parties in the nation, except those part of the Perikatan Nasional coalition.
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[Source: Malay Mail]
