A few days ago, works minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that the government would stop making highways toll-free for festive seasons and instead move towards a targeted approach to benefit only those who need it most.
Well, Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) VP Datuk T. Murugiah has said that the Chinese community should receive toll exemptions for Chinese New Year (CNY), The Star reports.
“CNY is a major celebration in Malaysia with thousands of Chinese Malaysians travelling back to their hometowns to reunite with their families. These journeys often come with high costs, and toll fares are a significant financial burden for highway users.
“Waiving toll charges, even temporarily, can ease this burden and reflect the government’s commitment to the well-being of all Malaysians regardless of race,” he said, adding that it would ensure fairness and equal treatment.
T. Murugiah also reminded the government of its previous promise to abolish toll charges entirely if given the mandate to govern, and while the promise has not been fulfilled, he urged the government to at least grant toll exemptions during major festive seasons to honour the spirit of its commitment.
“It is disappointing to see the lack of action even during such significant celebrations,” he said. The cabinet is due to make a final decision today. Deputy works minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said that one toll-free day costs between RM19 million and RM20 million in subsidies to compensate highway concessionaires.
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Anwar menang rakyat senang
Congratulations! CNY folks
– free toll … cut
– fuel subsidy … cut
– corrupt leaders … lepas
Now… U know who to vote next
Exactly, he has forgotten his obligations.
Put maximum effort into catching the corrupt, confiscating their illegal wealth, and channeling it into the national coffers to improve the quality of life for all Malaysians. This is far more practical than offering free tolls during festive seasons, which doesn’t benefit everyone equally.
Yeah can start with PMX, wife & daughter bank accounts.
I strongly disagree!! Save the money to pay for rakyat welfare. Travel during festive period is not a “need”.
As above and not just during festivals but everyday!
PH Gomen continue to troll millions of Msians!
Kerajaan U turn. Kenyataan awal tu nak test jer takkan tak biasa kot.
It is good to start 2025 without the so-called free toll, which actually are paid by all the rakyat. If they give free toll for CNY, then they will have to give for hair Raya, Deepavali and Christmas at least.
Malaysians are feeling the weight of financial pressures more than ever, from rising living costs to taxes on essential goods. Tolls have become a contentious issue, with many questioning whether the fees they pay are justified given the condition of roads and the inefficiencies in traffic management.
A recent example highlights the costs involved: the government subsidized toll fees for two days during a festive period, which amounted to RM20 million. If such a policy were extended year-round, it would translate to approximately RM3.65 billion annually. This raises the question: How much revenue do tolls generate annually, and is it enough to cover road maintenance and improvements?
Where Are the Tolls Going?
Tolls were originally implemented to fund the construction and maintenance of roads, as well as to compensate concessionaires. However, even with toll payments, many highways are plagued with:
1. Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and lack of proper maintenance.
2. Heavy Traffic Congestion: Even during non-peak hours, major toll roads like the PLUS highway experience significant traffic jams.
This raises concerns about whether the toll fees are being effectively utilized. If motorists are paying tolls, they should expect better road quality and smoother commutes.
Budget Allocation vs. Public Expectations
The government allocates a significant portion of its budget to infrastructure every year. For example:
– Budget 2024 allocated RM99 billion for development expenditure, including infrastructure and road maintenance.
– Budget 2025, under the Madani Government, is expected to include similar or higher allocations.
Despite these allocations, the public hears constant complaints of insufficient resources. The lack of visible improvements in road conditions and infrastructure raises an important question: Where is the money going?
Transparency and Accountability
Toll concession agreements are often shrouded in secrecy. While some agreements have been renegotiated to reduce toll rates, the public still lacks clarity on:
1. Revenue from Tolls: How much is collected annually?
2. Maintenance Costs: Are toll revenues being reinvested in road maintenance and upgrades?
3. Government Subsidies: How much is the government paying to concessionaires to maintain toll rates or provide toll-free days?
For instance, if RM3.65 billion is required for a year of toll-free highways, how does this compare to the actual profits of toll concessionaires? Are there inefficiencies or leakages in the system?
A Call for Better Management
The public isn’t demanding permanent toll abolishment but rather fairness and accountability in how their money is utilized. To address this issue, the government should:
1. Enhance Road Infrastructure: Invest in better road conditions and traffic management to ensure tolls provide value for money.
2. Improve Transparency: Publish detailed reports on toll revenues, government subsidies, and road maintenance expenditures.
3. Reassess Toll Policies: Introduce fairer toll structures, consider toll-free periods during festivals, and ensure that toll fees are proportionate to the quality of service provided.
4. Audit and Accountability: Conduct independent audits of toll concession agreements and ensure that revenue is reinvested effectively.
The Bigger Picture: Public Trust
Malaysians contribute significantly to the nation’s revenue through taxes, tolls, and other fees. Yet, they often face poor public services, from substandard roads to inadequate public transport systems. If the government wants to maintain public trust, it needs to address these concerns head-on by ensuring that every ringgit collected is spent transparently and effectively.
The public deserves more than just temporary toll-free periods during festivals. They deserve a government that prioritizes their well-being by providing value for the taxes, tolls, and other payments they make every day.
I love you
All monopoly and under table. 1st said toll will collect for 10 years but after 10 years still collecting, reason given for maintenance propose.whats a joke .
What free toll? Government have to compensate the toll concessionaires, no?
MIC
Mana Itu Corruption?
PKR
Pegi Korup Rakyat
This country will never ever forever improve. A government that goyang under pressure over a minor issue how to tackle much tougher issue
Ini government is the biggest scammer of all time. Janji itu ini sebelum menang election. Sudah menang the cost of living goes even higher and more taxes!
I hate this government so much! The lies OMG!
He has overlooked and forgotten the mandate
Never trust politician, they need works for rakyat
They works for their party
Before in power in, they will promise bring in 2 moons in the sky, after win current 1 moon also missing.
Next election vote parti bulan then we get back the missing moon.
Before in power in, they will promise bring in 2 moons in the sky, after win current 1 moon also missing.