Highway Tolls May Go Up By 30%

Malaysian drivers may have to pay 30% more for highway tolls in the near future as the Government mulls a move to raise charges.

The move is expected to affect up to 19 highways, including the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP).

A 30% hike would mean that the LDP toll, which currently costs RM1.60 will go up to RM2.10.

The move was met with objections from consumers’ groups such as the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) and the Pan-Malaysia Lorry Owners’ Association (PMLOA), both citing that the Government should look into improving public transportation instead of increasing toll charges.

“When public transport is not good, people are forced to use cars. They should not be taxed extra for doing so,” said Fomca’s CEO Datuk Paul Selvaraj

According to The Star, the matter was raised during the Cabinet meeting on Friday.

However, major highway concessionaires, including the operators of LDP, Sprint and Duta-Ulu Klang (Duke) highways have claimed they are not aware of any impending rise in toll rates.

[Source]