KUALA LUMPUR: Umno has taken a swipe at the Pakatan Harapan (PH) government for offering only a 50 per cent discount for all tolled roads, two days before Hari Raya Aidilfitri.
Umno’s strategic communications unit, in a statement, said the announcement runs contrary to the party’s manifesto, which had promised to abolish toll charges after coming into power, to help reduce the burden of the people.
“Sadly, highway users heading back to their hometowns still have to fork out money to pay toll. It is definitely burdensome especially for those with low-income and using highways for long distance journey.
“Such an announcement clearly shows that the abolishment of toll collection is unrealistic and difficult to implement,” said the statement.
Umno said that as such, people have already begun questioning if the PH government was only being rhetorical on its toll abolishment pledge and whether the promises were mere ‘sweets’ to win votes during the general election.
“(Or) maybe the PH government is still looking for answers in terms of financial implications to the government and toll concession holders in the event tolls are abolished.
“The decline of the stock market, the steady decline of ringgit and the withdrawal of foreign capital have further made the promise to abolish tolls as unlikely to happen.”
Citing a RAM Ratings assessment, Umno said abolishing tolls will involve bonds and sukuk amounting to RM53 billion.
“This means a huge loss to concessionaires and governments over a short period of time.
“The government cannot afford to incur expenses to pay off the concession companies’ debt, with some of them only just beginning collecting toll to finance the construction of their highways.”
The unit also questioned the future of new highways such as the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE).
“The construction of the highway by Prolintas requires RM48 billion. Is the government willing to bear the cost?”
Umno added that the public have accepted the toll system since the days of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as the fourth prime minister.
“Most Malaysians understand the purpose of toll collection by the concession companies. They are aware of the high cost in building highways.
“(And) despite many alternative roads, the people are comfortable using tolled highways for their own convenience.”
Umno said it is not right to make sweet promises just for the sake of winning votes.
“Whatever that has been promised to the people, must be fulfilled without any excuses and political tricks.”