Toll Gantry to Genting Highlands Never Approved, Bentong Council Orders Construction to Stop

Recently, the construction of a toll gantry near Gohtong Jaya, Pahang has gone viral, whereby the developer is planning to charge tolls for drivers heading up to Genting Highlands.

Following this, many Malaysians raised concerns about the charging of tolls for heading up to the popular tourist spot.

However, it seems that the developer has bigger problems than the wrath of netizens, as it turns out that the company didn’t get approval for building the toll gantry from the Bentong Municipal Council (MPB).

As reported by Malay Mail, MPB has since issued a stop-work order for the construction of the toll gantry as the developer had not followed requirements or received the green light from local authorities prior to starting construction.

Prior to MPB’s order, the Pahang State Government also issued a statement on the matter, whereby the State Unity Tourism and Culture Committee chairman Leong Yu Ma said that the project was never approved or even discussed in the state exco meetings.

Besides that, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Bentong, Young Syefura Othman also took to Facebook today to confirm that a stop-work order has been issued by MPB to the developer.

She further clarified that Genting Highlands and the land on which the toll gantry is being built are private land.

Despite that, any developments on the surrounding land must get the approval of the local authorities. Furthermore, Young Syefura also revealed that the developer’s building of the highway and toll gantry weren’t notified to the Malaysia Highway Authority (LLM) or the Works Ministry.

The toll collection plan was also not consulted with the Finance Ministry and Transport Ministry, another requirement that the developer didn’t fulfil.

So, what do you guys think of the whole saga? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.

Also read: 8 Things to Do in Genting Highlands Besides Going to the Theme Park [2023 edition]