FOMCA: REVIEW 10% TOLL HIKES

Oct 2, 07 12:30pm Adjust font size:

The Federation of Malaysian Consumer Associations (Fomca) has urged the government to review the planned hike in charges for eight tolled roads next year. Fomca president N Marimuthu said a review was necessary in view of the rising cost of living. “If the raise in toll charges is allowed, it would cause a chain reaction and increase the price of goods,” he said in a statement yesterday. Eight tolled roads are scheduled for a 10 percent revision in charges next year. These are the North South Highway (Plus), Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway, North South Expressway Central Link (Elite), Seremban-Port Dickson Highway, New North Klang Straits Bypass (Shahpadu), Malaysia-Singapore Second Link, Butterworth-Kulim Expressway, and the Penang Bridge. Reveal concession agreement Meanwhile, Marimuthu also urged the government to force highway concessionaires to publicise their financial information to allow the government to decide on the feasibility of a toll charge hike. He also urged the government to reveal all the relevant highway concession agreements in order for the public to understand the nature of the deals. “But for Fomca, the concession agreements are biased. It only sides the concessionaire,” he added. Early this year, the government allowed revision of toll prices for five major highways in the Klang Valley. Motorist paid between 20 to 60 percent more for using these highways. This resulted in a public outcry and several demonstrations against the price hikes were held. Toll concession agreements are classified under the Official Secrets Act (OSA), a move which drew much criticism from various quarters. Malaysiakini 2 October 2007