BATU GAJAH: Pas today urged the government to review its plan to abolish toll charges on highways during the off-peak period as it would not reduce commuters’ financial burden.
Pas vice-president Idris Ahmad said the move to waive toll charges on Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong (LDP), Sistem Penyuraian Trafik KL Barat (SPRINT), Lebuhraya Shah Alam (KESAS) and SMART Tunnel was great, but it should not be confined to off-period hours.
“Toll is one of the factors that contribute to the high cost of living for commuters,” he told a press conference after having high tea with the residents of Kampung Batu 1, here, today.
“So, when they are going to enforce it between 11pm and 5am, it is clearly not achieving their goal.
“Why do they pick such off-peak hours? They should choose the time when people are leaving for work and make it free, that is the purpose.”
Idris said the people were hoping that the government would fulfil the promises that it made during the 14th General Election.
“Should they wish to abolish it, just simply abolish it,” he added.
It was reported yesterday that four highways and expressways in the Klang Valley had been targeted by the government as part of its proposed acquisition of tolled highways.
The government seeks to abolish toll collection in stages, a pledge which was part of its 14th General Election manifesto.
Commuters will be required to pay a congestion charge equivalent to the existing toll during the six-hour peak period.
During the off-peak period between 11pm and 5am, commuters will travel on the highway for free. At other normal traveling hours, commuters will enjoy discounted rates of up to 30 per cent.