Penang Second Bridge concessionaire urged to give users rebates

AUDIT REPORT | The Penang Second Bridge concessionaire, Jambatan Kedua Sdn Bhd (JKSB), should consider giving rebates to users, recommends the Audit Department.

According to the first series of Auditor-General's Report 2017, giving users rebates would “attract more users to use the bridge and increases its toll fare collection."

Although JKSB was commended for its good governance practices, the report also highlighted several of its weaknesses.

These include the bridge not fulfilling its objective of easing traffic congestion, and delays in the completion of rest areas at the bridge despite the deadline having lapsed.

JKSB, wholly owned by the Minister of Finance Inc, was incorporated in 2008 to design, construct, manage, operate and maintain the Penang Second Bridge, later named the Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge.

The RM4.7 billion structure, linking Batu Kawan and Batu Maung, is the longest bridge in the region and was opened to the public in 2014.

JKSB charges RM8.50 for Class 1 vehicles (except buses and taxis) to use the bridge, slightly higher than the RM7 charged for the Penang Bridge. - Mkini