by HIDAYATH HISHAM
THE government’s decision to end toll exemptions during festive seasons, announced by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, has been praised as a necessary and overdue measure by road safety and sustainable transport advocates.
Shahrim Tamrin, a former board member of the Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros), described the toll waiver policy as counterproductive as it exacerbated traffic congestion, fuel consumption and environmental damage.
“Giving toll exemption during the traveling period of Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali and Christmas when the traffic is expected to peak is like pouring kerosene on fire,” he said in a statement.
He explained that the policy, introduced by the previous administration under former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob in April 2022, failed to ensure efficient traffic management and led to severe congestion.
Shahrim said toll waivers defeat transport sustainability, efficient traffic management and contribute to dreadful road congestion on highways and federal or state roads.
“Subsequently, the huge volume of road traffic on highways spilled over to artery and secondary roads, and created traffic standstills in towns and rural areas.
“A clear example was the gruelling and taxing 24-hour journey from Klang Valley to Kelantan experienced by many. Imagine the high risk of safety on the road due to drivers’ fatigue,” he added.
In addition to increasing traffic and fuel consumption, Shahrim mentioned that toll-free driving also increased carbon dioxide emissions and outdoor air pollution.
According to academic study, road transport was the second greatest contributor to Malaysia’s total carbon dioxide emissions in 2016, accounting for 21% of all emissions, and it was responsible for more than 70% of air pollution in metropolitan areas.
Shahrim said such outcomes contradict Malaysia’s COP26 pledge in 2021 to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
He added that the RM540 million in taxpayer funds allotted for toll-free service during the previous three years could have been diligently channelled to deserving citizens to use various land public transport modes.
“The government can provide them to use express or chartered bus, as well as rail services via electronic ticket vouchers or at discounted fares,” he said.
Shahrim urged the establishment to use the toll-free RM180 million annual spending (on average) for other purposes that include life-saving measures.
“In an ideal situation and if the federal government is serious about implementing targeted subsidies, then it should be channelled for inter-state public transport connectivity by giving vouchers or reduced fares to those who are really in need of safe travel such as the motorcycle users group,” he said.
Motorcyclists are consistently accounted as the group with the highest numbers of road fatalities during festive seasons.
“For example, during the Aidilfitri ‘balik kampung’ period, if there are 24 road deaths daily, 20 of them are motorcycle users,” said Shahrim.
The RM180 million per year could have been better spent during the holidays to help students and low-income groups who need to return to their hometowns across West Malaysia, as well as the north, south and east coasts of the Peninsular.
“The targeted subsidies, if that is what the government is planning to execute, during festive seasons can be expanded for citizens to use the soon-to-be-completed East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) and north-to-south double-track rail services in the coming years.
“It is a win-win situation if the federal government sets its priorities right rather than committing to populist decisions when using taxpayers’ money,” he said.
Yesterday, the government announced that highway toll exemptions traditionally offered during festive periods will no longer continue starting this year.
Nanta Linggi revealed the decision during the opening of Section 2 of the West Coast Expressway (WCE).
The cabinet opted to discontinue the practice in favour of a more targeted approach, aligning with the government’s plan to implement targeted subsidies.
Nanta Linggi confirmed that the policy change also applies to the upcoming Chinese New Year, stating that 2024 was the final year for such exemptions.
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