Friday 29 Mar 2024
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KUALA LUMPUR (Oct 4): After announcing that it would defer the abolishment of tolls, the Malaysian government is considering rebates, discounts or concession extensions for tolled roads, said Works Minister Baru Bian.

The government is still looking at proposals by industry players but has yet to make a decision as it has yet to hear from all stakeholders, Baru Bian said.

"(We will announce a) decision in two to three months' time," he told reporters at an appreciation ceremony for man-hours without lost time injury for highways today.

The Pakatan Harapan government had pledged to abolish tolls under its election manifesto but has since deferred the promise, citing the nation's tight fiscal position and the high costs of the endeavour as reasons.

Meanwhile, Ekovest Bhd managing director Tan Seri Datuk Seri Lim Keng Cheng said he hopes for more privatisation incentives from the government in the upcoming budget in relation to toll concessionaires.

He added that the private sector could still spur development of tolled roads and as such, wider economic development, without necessarily securing financing from the government.

"We're trying to promote the concept that highways are a user-pay system," he said.

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