All of us should remember that one of the manifesto of the Pakatan Harapan was to abolish the toll. Our Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad has stated that the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government would slowly abolish tolls across Malaysia in stages, as stated in their 100-day manifesto.
However, this did not come true and most likely it is due to the country’s economic situation at the time.
According to The Sun, our Works Minister Baru Bian has mentioned that the abolition of tolls could be finalised within two to three months and the ministry is currently negotiating with stakeholders in an effort to reach a solution that all parties can agree to. He has stated that:
We are looking for a sensible solution that will be beneficial to all stakeholders and the new government. I hope we can reach an agreement and achieve the best final outcome is accepted by all stakeholders.I have received some suggestions but not from all the stakeholders, but I am sure there will be a decision within two to three months.”
If we refer back to the PH’s manifesto, they have promised to review all highway concession agreements and renegotiate in order to take over them and eventually abolish the tolls, while providing fair compensations to the affected companies.
Seems like now, with Baru’s recent announcement, we are very hopeful that the government can begin removing tolls in stages within the next three months!