Associations want long term solution to toll prices

The announcement by the Deputy Prime Minister yesterday, that there will be no hike in highway toll this year, brings relief to public transportation associations, although it is not the long term solution they seek.

When contacted by Bernama, most of them appreciated the initiative taken by the government, but they wanted, among others, that further discussions with the consessionaire companies be speeded up.

Federal Territory and Selangor Taxi Operators Association president Datuk Aslah Abdullah believed the government had a gradual plan in the issue and were committed in helping the people tackle the rising living cost.

Speaking on behalf of 18 companies and 10,000 taxi and rented car drivers under the association, Aslah said since toll was implemented, taxi drivers were charged only 50 percent of the toll rate imposed on class one vehicles.

"But we still feel the increase, if there is any hike, so I wish to express my thanks for the announcement," he said.

Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin yesterday announced the decision, adding that the government had to come up with RM400 million in compensation to the concessionaires involved.

Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister also announced that a comprehensive study on the existing toll concessionaires in the long term context, would be carried out.

Overall, there are 29 highway concessionaire companies in the country including nine in the Klang Valley.

Meanwhile, the Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamed Ashfar Ali also thanked the government on the effort, but wanted a long term assurance.

Compared to taxi drivers, he said bus operators must pay toll in full, in fact, higher than the rate imposed on class one vehicles.

"Bus companies want to retain the operational costs we bear now as much as possible and we also need to plan for future operations.

"If we look at the situation now, prices for bus tickets are the same, although the cost of operation, especially after the hike in fuel prices, increased, so this is becoming a burden to public transport operators like us," he said.

Sharing his opinion was Peninsular Malaysia Malay Express Bus Operators Association president, Tajuddin Mohd Yunus who drew attention to the bus operational costs, which had risen as much as 15 percent since the increase in fuel prices.

"As such, something must be done about the toll rate, so that there will not be multiple operation cost increases. If possible, revive the 50 percent discount on toll as had been implemented three to four years ago," he said.

In another development, Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations president (Fomca) Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah said a review and transparent discussions with the concessionaire companies would be able to solve all problems and grumblings on the matter.

"This should be the government's priority so that in the years to come the wrath of the people, from increases in toll rates, is not incurred," he added.