‘No plan yet to raise toll for eligible highways’

(THE STAR ONLINE)The Works Ministry has no plans yet to allow an increase in toll rates for some eight highways which are eligible to do so next year.

In a statement touching on the issue of toll increases, it said that “currently no discussion or decisions are being made on this matter at the ministerial level”.

The statement added as many as eight highways were eligible for an increase in toll rates next year.

It said that if the increase was not agreed to, the Government would have to pay as much as RM593mil in reparations.

“The ministry is aware of the monetary burdens that the public currently faces and will strive for a solution by conducting discussions with the concessionaires.

“In these meetings, issues that demand attention like reducing the monetary burden of toll users, the obligations of the concession holders to bond holders and guarantors, and Government interests and obligations must be addressed,” it said.

The statement added that these meetings would be conducted with the aim of reaching a “win-win situation” between the Government and concessionaires.

Previously, it was reported that PLUS Malaysia Bhd was scheduled to increase toll rates by 5% in 2016.