No Plans To Abolish Karak, Gombak Tolls To Alleviate Traffic - Nanta Linggi

Earlier this week, PAS deputy president Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man proposed that the government close the Gombak and Karak toll plazas on the Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway (KLK) and East Coast Expressway (ECE) to alleviate highway congestion.

The opposition lawmaker suggested two strategies to lessen the load on drivers; entry/exit system, a system that only requires drivers to pay tolls when they enter and leave the highway.

However, works minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi has rejected the proposal, according to the New Straits Times.

Speaking at the opening of section 5 of the Raub bypass on the Central Spine Road (CSR) yesterday, Nanta Linggi stated that abolishing tolls on the Karak and ECE highways would result in higher road maintenance costs, which the government would bear.

“At the moment, we have no plans to abolish the tolls,” he said. “We need the [toll] funds for highway maintenance and to ensure the safety of road users. If the tolls are abolished, the government will have to secure funds to maintain the highway and plan maintenance works. A lack of funds will jeopardise [maintaining the highways].”

Apart from confirming that the government does not intend to shut down the previously mentioned toll plazas, Nanta Linggi added that there have been no conversations about putting in place an open payment toll collection system on the Karak highway.

“Open payment has not been discussed. Open payment on the KLK needs to be studied, and if there is a need, it has to be fine-tuned," he added.