Lower toll rates for our highways

I am one of those who could only afford to make noises in the Kedai Kopi or Kopitiam about the high cost of toll.Every time I visit my son in JB,I have to cough out at least RM41 just for the toll,not to mention about the same amount for the  petrol for my MyVi.At least now, there is evidence that the new Minister of Work is doing something good for the rakyat and I also know that he is  also instrumental for  getting rid of ceiling price for the steel effective today.I hope this  is a good beginning for a few more things.I look forward to hear or read more rakyat friendly good news from all ministers,especially those that affect the daily lives of ordinary folks like me. By the way,please donot ask us to eat less rice because the price is higher.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- The proposal to reduce toll rates will be brought to the Cabinet meeting for a decision, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said today. "It is a suggestion from Datuk Zin Mohamad (Works Minister) who has expressed that his choice is to reduce toll rates. But the suggestion must be brought to the Cabinet for a decision to be made," he told reporters after officiating the opening of the Fifth Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) here today. Abdullah said this when asked to comment on Works Minister Datuk Ir Mohd Zin Mohamad's statement yesterday that highway toll rates could be reduced but it was subjected to the findings of a concession study currently being carried out by his ministry. The study is expected to be ready in another three months and will be the basis for the renegotiation of agreement between the government and the highway toll concessionaires in the country. Mohd Zain said the main issue up during renegotiation will be the clause on the toll rate review mechanism which does not allow the concession company to increase toll rates as it wishes but would have to depend on the number of vehicles using the highway. -- BERNAMA

I am one of those who could only afford to make noises in the Kedai Kopi or Kopitiam about the high cost of toll.Every time I visit my son in JB,I have to cough out at least RM41 just for the toll,not to mention about the same amount for the  petrol for my MyVi.At least now, there is evidence that the new Minister of Work is doing something good for the rakyat and I also know that he is  also instrumental for  getting rid of ceiling price for the steel effective today.I hope this  is a good beginning for a few more things.I look forward to hear or read more rakyat friendly good news from all ministers,especially those that affect the daily lives of ordinary folks like me. By the way,please donot ask us to eat less rice because the price is higher.

KUALA LUMPUR, May 8 (Bernama) -- The proposal to reduce toll rates will be brought to the Cabinet meeting for a decision, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said today. "It is a suggestion from Datuk Zin Mohamad (Works Minister) who has expressed that his choice is to reduce toll rates. But the suggestion must be brought to the Cabinet for a decision to be made," he told reporters after officiating the opening of the Fifth Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) here today. Abdullah said this when asked to comment on Works Minister Datuk Ir Mohd Zin Mohamad's statement yesterday that highway toll rates could be reduced but it was subjected to the findings of a concession study currently being carried out by his ministry. The study is expected to be ready in another three months and will be the basis for the renegotiation of agreement between the government and the highway toll concessionaires in the country. Mohd Zain said the main issue up during renegotiation will be the clause on the toll rate review mechanism which does not allow the concession company to increase toll rates as it wishes but would have to depend on the number of vehicles using the highway. -- BERNAMA

Comments

[kiff]

why our previous minister wouldn't never talk in positive tune regarding this matter? he would only respond by saying toll will increase according to agreement or government will pay compensation to toll operator

[Adib]

Kiff,
You have a very question that the x-minister has to answer.IMHO,no minister should be on the same post more than two terms.Otherwise,they become complacent and a few of them think they owned the seats!God forbids.

[Honeytar]

..and for us small players...ketor ppaler lutut nok bayor beras...

[zawi]

Pak Adib,
They will always claim that our toll is the cheapest in the region. They didn't tell us that we have the highest number and total length of tolled road road making travelling very expensive. The irony is that the toll increase is never justified by losses but by sheer adherence to a lopsided agreement which means head I win, tail you lose.

[kiff]

abe dib,
i agree with you