In the latest toll-related update from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), it has been revealed that the government plans to use a congestion charge system by imposing fees based on peak and non-peak hours.
This change in the toll charging system will take place after the federal government successfully takes over the operations of 4 major highways in the Klang Valley.
Source: Compare Hero
An excerpt from Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Muhamad’s statement issued by the PMO reads,
“I am pleased to announce that as a first step, the Government has commenced talks with Gamuda Berhad to negotiate the acquisition of highway concession in which the company has a majority stake.”
The four highways are;
- Damansara Puchong Highway (LDP)
- SPRINT Highway
- KESAS Highway
- SMART Tunnel
Source: The Sun Daily
This new plan seeks to completely abolish toll rates between 11pm and 5am, while those driving during the 6-hour peak periods will have to pay a ‘congestion charge’ equivalent to the existing toll.
Meanwhile, those travelling between peak and off-peak periods can enjoy discounted rates of up to 30 per cent off existing toll charges.
The PMO’s statement continues,
“The revenue collected from the ‘congestion charge’ will go towards the operations and maintenance of the highways and repayment of borrowings. Any surplus collected will then be channelled into a public transportation fund to improve the quality of public transport in Malaysia.”
More details will be unveiled by Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng at a later date.
This news comes just a few days after Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin stated that the government would issue an important announcement regarding highway tolls very soon.
What are your thoughts on this recent development? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: The Govt Just Announced That Toll Charges Will Go Down
