KUALA LUMPUR: The government's move to postpone the increase in toll rates at the three highways nationwide, on Jan 1 this year, has been warmly received by highway users and non-governmental organisations.
The move, they said, was timely as many were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic which saw them burdened by an increase in their cost of living.
Fatin Zakaria, 33, said she was pleased on hearing the postponement of the toll hike.
A regular user of the Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS) and South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), Fatin said she would not have to fork out extra money paying tolls at these highways, at least until year-end.
Fatin said her job as an accounts manager required her to travel a lot to meet clients.
"I believe many people are trying to make ends meet; hence the postponement is very much welcomed.
"Although it might not be much for some, for those who are regularly commuting on these highways, they get to save money."
Yesterday, Senior Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the government has agreed to postpone the increase in toll rates for three major highways: KESAS, SKVE, and the East Coast Expressway 2 (LPT2), given the rising cost of living due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
LPT2 user Norul Huda Husna Shaji Khan also welcomed the postponement of the toll hike.
"It's a good move, especially for those who travel regularly using these highways, as there will be no additional travelling expenses for them."
However, Norul Huda Husna said that as interstate travel is still not allowed, the postponement will not benefit LPT2 users much.
"My in-laws live in Terengganu, and given the current pandemic situation, we cannot go back for Hari Raya Aidilfitri or even our monthly visit."
Malaysian Public Transport Users Association president Ajit Johl said such a move did not favour policies to encourage the use of public transport.
"It is a bad move for public transport as we have been supportive with the increase of toll rates so that the people will choose public transportation.
"However, given the current situation of Covid-19, we also do not want to encourage more people on public transport because of the pandemic.
"In that sense, the government is wise in encouraging people to travel on the highways during this period.
"But, for those who have no choice and use the public transport, we encourage them to follow the standard operating procedures at all times."
Asked if the postponement should be in place until the nation fully recovers from the pandemic, rather than until year-end, Ajit said, "It should be until the situation is better. Our country needs healing.
"This pandemic will clear, but in the meantime, we must always comply with the SOP."
Pan Malaysian Bus Operators Association president Datuk Mohamad Ashfar Ali said the announcement shows that the government is concerned with the rising cost of living due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, he said, the postponement gives no immediate benefit to bus operators.
"At present, our buses are not moving because we cannot go for interstate travel.
"Even if we could travel, the people are not going to use the buses out of fear of contracting Covid-19, causing lesser passenger load.
"Therefore, any toll hike will not be good for our members," he said.
Ashfar added as the postponement of the toll hike is until year-end, the possibility for toll increase will still be there next year.
"By then, we will still be recovering and it will be detrimental to bus operators as they have not operated since March last year."
Ashfar said the association had asked the government for a 50 per cent discount for express buses passing tolls, which they enjoyed for a few years before the government withdrew it.
"We are hoping to have it reinstated," he said.