SHAH ALAM: Motorists rejoice as they pay the last toll fees at the Sungai Rasau and Batu Tiga toll plazas on the Federal Highway here today.
The toll payment at the two plazas from midnight.
Those met by the New Straits Times today near the toll plazas, hours before the abolishment takes effect, expressed relief and appreciation to the Federal Government for the removal of payments.
Several families were seen stopping their cars not far after paying their toll fares for the last time, before taking photographs and selfies with the toll plazas in the background.
Father of two Saiful Rosuri, 31, said he had lived in Klang for the past 10 years and would pass through the toll booth several times a month to come here or go to Kuala Lumpur.
"It is good news for us, because every time I have to go to Kuala Lumpur either for business or leisure, we have to pay RM4.20 (for a return trip).
"Besides, the two tolls are also near each other and we have to pass through both. We appreciate the government's move to end the toll collection," said Saiful near the Batu Tiga toll plaza.
The technician, his wife and their two children were on their way to Kajang to celebrate the New Year with friends when they stopped near the plaza.
Taxi driver Asri Hassan, 50, said it was a relief as he used the highway several times daily to ferry his passengers and return to his house in Klang.
"Every time I pass through the toll plazas, I have to pay 40 sen at Batu Tiga and another 30 sen at Sungai Rasau (toll charges for the taxi is cheaper than that for private vehicles).
"Although the rate is lower for taxi, I use the highway several times a day as it is the main road to go to many places."
For Hamirul Asmar Hamzah, 30, he welcomed the government's decision as he would no longer need to ride his motorcycle to his office in Kuala Lumpur.
"I ride motorcycle to save cost. From tomorrow, I will drive to work especially during rainy days.
"I really appreciate the decision to cease toll collection at these plazas."
Meanwhile, Shah Alam Umno divisional chief Datuk Azhari Shaari said efforts by Barisan Nasional to have the tolls abolished had become a reality.
He said suggestions to stop toll collections had been brought up by BN for the past 10 years, and its efforts peaked in 2014.
"I have also met the prime minister personally twice to hand over a memorandum on the matter. The matter was also discussed with the Works Ministry, and saw a motion on the proposal to abolish the toll payment raised at the Umno general assembly since 2013," he said.
Shah Alam Umno division plans to hold a “Majlis Kesyukuran” (thanksgiving ceremony) at Sungai Rasau toll plaza to celebrate the New Year.
The event is expected to be attended by Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar and Works Deputy Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin.
In October, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, during the tabling of Budget 2018, announced the abolishment of toll collections at the two plazas.