Gov't hasn't passed any toll hike, says works minister

As millions of motorists brace themselves for a toll hike just around the corner in 2014, the government has issued a statement today which denied that any hike has been passed.

While conceding that it was under great pressure to meet demands for hikes by highway concession companies, Works Minister Fadillah Yusof stopped short of confirming talk that hikes of 50 sen to RM2.00 were on the cards for 13 highways, as widely reportedover the last week.

“I wish to explain that based on current concession agreements, there are several highways where toll rates will go up in 2014. However, the government has yet to issue any directive to any concessionaires involved,” Fadillah said in a statement on his official webpage.

Instead, he said his ministry was working hard to reduce the impact of any toll hikes to come.

On the other hand, giving reasons why a toll hike was inevitable, Fadillah (left) said that hikes for 15 highways have been held back since 2008. Over the same period, he said, seven tolls were abolished while toll rates were reduced for three highways.

The move to hike toll rates, which went against the BN election manifesto for GE13, have drawn flak from all quarters, not just the opposition. BN backer Ridhuan Tee said in Sinar Harian today that he was confused by the move. He also warned that it could see Umno losing some support.

Similarly, Pulai MP and Public Accounts Committee chairperson Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the BN risks losing much more heavily in the city and its outskirts in the 14th general election if the government fails to address the hikes in prices of goods and services.