MCA to DAP Perak : Fulfil your GE14 promise! Revoke West Coast Expressway tolls which affects all Perak residents

Dewan Rakyat Speaker Nga Kor Ming and DAP Keranji ADUN Chong Zhemin who is facing a legal suit from MCA must answer to all Perakians as to how DAP will ensure that the Pakatan government can honour its GE14 promise to “abolish tolls.”

From the latest Federal Government Gazette on Federal Roads (Private Management) (Collection of Tolls) (West Coast Expressway [WCE] (Taiping-Banting) Order 2020 which came into operation on 15 January 2020, it appears that DAP and Pakatan Harapan has broken “Promise 6: Abolish Tolls” of the Buku Harapan which declares, “Pakatan Harapan believes that the monopoly of these selected concessionaries must be stopped.”

The WCE Order by the PKR Minister of Works Baru Bian authorises West Coast Expressway Sdn Bhd to collect tolls for close to 44 years from 15 January 2020 to 19 December 2063. Such a long-term toll collection not only contravenes the PH Manifesto of “stopping monopolies” but even entrenches monopolies by more than double.

In the Buku Harapan, PH bemoaned about MAJU Holdings offering to takeover the PLUS concessionaire for 20 years. However, this WCE concessionaire exceeds 43 years, which is more than double the example which was raised in the Buku Harapan, thereby proof that PH not only self-contradicts themselves, but is implacable on the grouses from the ground against the increasing cost of living, lower purchasing power or job losses arising from international brands moving their factories elsewhere.

This toll monopoly which could reach up to RM23.60 for Class 3 Vehicles for entry at Beruas and exit at Kg Lekir will burden WCE users especially those transporting supplies of goods. The spin off effect will see traders raising the prices of goods and consumers having to pay more.

For a New Year feel good factor, Guan Eng added that the toll rate freeze will be extended to 2020 to ease the rakyat’s burden.

https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2020/01/09/guan-eng-toll-rate-freeze-extended-to-2020-to-ease-malaysians-burdens/1826190

However, the introduction of the WCE toll is one method to recoup losses which the government has to bear for the losses incurred. It certainly does not live up to the spirit of freezing tolls.

Will DAP Perak elected representatives at both the federal and state governments fulfil their pre-election promises to abolish all highway tolls? If yes, how so, when Work Minister Baru Bian has already issued his Order?

Dato’ Dr Mah Hang Soon
MCA Deputy President
MCA Perak State Liaison Committee Chairman

-MCA Online-