Govt's Move To Defer Toll Hikes Eases Burden On Highway Users

KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 (Bernama) -- The government’s announcement to postpone toll rate hikes on 10 highways across the country has brought much-needed relief to road users.

In SELANGOR, homestay operator Izat Izuan, 40, welcomed the decision, saying it would ease the financial burden for those like him who rely on frequent travel.

“I live in Sekinchan and often use the KL-Kuala Selangor Expressway (LATAR) for work. Most suppliers offering lower prices are based in urban areas, so using the toll route is the fastest and most cost-effective way to get goods,” he told Bernama.

Meanwhile in PENANG, Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abd Kadir said the move was timely and would benefit the public, particularly those in the B40 income group who rely on toll roads daily for commuting and errands.

In PERAK, electrical technician Ahmad Fauzi Ismail, 42, said the postponement significantly helped ease the burden of daily expenses, especially for frequent highway users like himself.

“Thankfully, the toll charges remain unchanged, even though the concession agreement originally allowed for an increase. This definitely benefits people like me who travel between Seri Iskandar, Kuala Lumpur, and Penang every two weeks,” he said.

Draughtsman Mohd Hafizi Saidi, 39, praised the government’s willingness to absorb the financial implications to prevent a toll rate hike, saying it demonstrated genuine concern for the people’s welfare.

“If any cost can be reduced, that’s already a big help. Even saving RM10 to RM30 per family makes a difference. This decision shows the government is managing funds wisely and returning the benefits to the people. Thank you,” he said.

In JOHOR, housewife Rohaya Suradi, 29, described the decision to maintain toll rates on the Senai-Desaru Expressway (SDE) as a sign of the government’s attentiveness, particularly to the needs of middle-income families in rural areas.

“My family lives in Kota Tinggi and we use the SDE almost every week to visit my sister in Pasir Gudang. So, by keeping the toll rates unchanged, we’re able to save a little and continue using the highway without feeling financially burdened,” said the mother of two.

Elsewhere in PAHANG, transport company manager Ahmad Effendy Jamaludin, 46, said the MADANI Government’s initiative to postpone toll hikes has provided much-needed financial relief - not just for the public but also for businesses in the transport sector.

“With this savings, the public can channel their money toward essential needs or savings, while transport companies avoid additional toll expenses,” he said.

The Prime Minister, in his announcement yesterday, unveiled several key initiatives as a gesture of appreciation under the MADANI Government, including one-off RM100 cash assistance under the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) or basic Rahmah contribution initiative, a postponement of toll rate hikes for 10 highways, and a RON95 petrol subsidy set at RM1.99 per litre.

--BERNAMA