PETALING JAYA, Oct 13 — Pakatan Harapan suggested today that toll concessionaires be given first rights to future road projects in exchange for maintaining toll rates, after it was announced that toll rates will be raised at most Klang Valley highways.
The opposition pact comprising PKR, DAP and Amanah pointed out that through such a method dubbed the first right of refusal, concessionaires need not worry about decreasing profits as they would be assured of potential participation in future government projects based on fair market rates.
"They may not get profit from current concessions, but they can be sure of a more steady revenue flow because they'll have more certainty to participate in future projects," PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli told a joint press conference with party colleague Wong Chen and Amanah strategy director Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
"If corporate companies are offered to [be chosen], they'll be more attracted to a more steady revenue flow in future," he said, adding that DAP's Dr Ong Kian Ming was unable to attend the press conference today.
Motorists can expect to pay between 20 sen and RM3 more in tolls at nearly all highways in the Klang Valley starting Thursday, according to news reports yesterday.
Toll rates at the Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (SILK) for private cars will go up to RM1.80, while those at the Duta-Ulu Kelang Highway (DUKE) will go up by 50 sen to RM2.50 and the new toll rate for the Maju Expressway (MEX) at the Putrajaya toll plaza will be RM3.50.
