Malaysian Transport Industry Raises Voice Against Recent Toll Hikes

Kuala Lumpur: While the recent toll hike is yet to come into effect from 15th October, Malaysian transport industry has already started raising voice against the sudden increase. Falling ringgit, unavailability of alternative roads and a poor transport system are some of it's main concerns. As reported by The Star, Jong Foh Jit, President of Pan Malaysian Lorry Operators Association, has expressed his unhappiness over the sudden toll hike. “Everything is going up. Spare parts, tires. Projects for lorries are down, the market is slowing down. This is another burden,” he complained. Jong has also requested the Government to cut down the costs of tyre-duties and road taxes for lorry operators.

Goh Bok Yen, a transport expert, said that the recent toll hike will burden the motorists having no alternative routes to choose from. "Those who live near toll gates are even worse off. The public would still be required to use the highway as the local public transport system is not a worthy option. The pinch would not be felt as much by those who use the highways for long trips, as compared to those who travel shorter distances. And even if you pay, you are still facing congestion,” he added.

Datuk N. Marimuthu, President of the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (FOMCA), has urged the government to justify the reasons behind the sudden toll hike. "The increase in toll rates could bring about a chain reaction against the prices of goods. The ringgit is falling, traders are pushing up their prices, and the haze means local producers can’t produce,” he warned. The President also reasoned an urgent requirement of a commission.

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