Gov't is pushing next to regulate off-peak toll fare discounts

Kuala Lumpur: After so much in news and discussion about the toll fares and hike, Malaysians are in real trouble in the due course! Specifically the residents and commuters to urban side, get affected by a recent round of toll fare hikes on 18 highways. To this, the government said, the issue is unavoidable and there is no particular solution for this as if now. Still, making the situation little bit better for the country people, Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof is communicating with the highway operators.

As reported by The Sun, the government is trying to push the idea off-peak discounts to highway concessionaires. Fadillah said, his ministry and the Malaysian Highway Authority will regulate a study and research about the issue for the betterment of daily commuters on the highway.

Read Also: Increase in rates a necessity, say Highway concessionaires

“We are willing to listen to suggestions from the public and discuss with the highway concessionaires, but it is up to them. We can’t force them since these companies are also answerable to their shareholders,” he said during a dialogue with Malaysian students in Seoul, where the World Road Congress 2015 is being held.

On the contrary, Fadillah had said he has no objection to the idea of frequent-user rebates on tolls. “There are probably many ways we can do it but perhaps the public, if they have any ideas, can share (them) with the ministry.”

Read Also: Malaysian Transport Industry Raises Voice Against Recent Toll Hikes

“The minister was responding to comments in response to Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan’s “wake up earlier” to use toll-free roads statement, which an aide of the Kota Belud MP said was taken out of context. A local resident had suggested that “before 6am, highway users should be given a discount of up of 40%”.

After the statement of the minister in public, we believe that Malaysian would get a sigh of relief and people will not find ways to take a shortcut from highways, enjoying the journeys to the extinct! But, waiting for the final outcome is in the line-up.

Read Also: Malaysian Road Deaths Ratio Higher than World Average

Feature Image Courtsey: The Star Asia News Network