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17 October 2015
16 October 2015
EXPECT PRICES OF GOODS TO GO UP AS TRANSPORT OPERATORS RAISE THEIR CHARGES TO COVER HIGHER TOLLS
If you live in the Greater Klang Valley area, with a population of about 6 million, you are directly hit by the toll increase.
Then the transport companies will hit us all over the nation with price increases.
Next, all sorts of businesses dependent on these transport companies will raise prices as well.
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16 October 2015
MP: Just buy up Cheras highway to avert toll hike
.@TeoNieChing: Just buy up #Cheras highway to avert #toll hike https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/315914
Instead of paying highway concessionaires compensation to keep toll rates down, the government should instead be considering buying over certain companies.
Commenting on the controversial toll hikes announced this week, Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching said for example a hike could be avoided on the 11.5km Cheras-Kajang Highway.
“Instead of allowing the toll hike, our government should just acquire Cerah Sama Sdn Bhd, which owns Grand Saga Sdn Bhd, the concession holder,” said Teo in a statement.
As the government already has a 49 percent stake in the company, she said, it should simply buy the remaining 51 percent at roughly RM120 million.
“RM120 million is not a small sum. But it is nothing if compare to the compensation paid by the BN government to the concessionaire,” she said.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/315914
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A worker puts up the new toll rates at the Dato Keramat toll plaza, Ampang-Kuala Lumpur Elevated Highway (AKLEH)
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14 October 2015
Protests at toll booths ahead of hike tonight
Protests at toll booths ahead of hike tonight http://bit.ly/1OBnKEe
Demonstrations were held at toll plazas around the Klang Valley this evening ahead of the toll hike that will take effect at midnight.
People gathered by a toll booth in Puchong along the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP) holding posters decrying the hike from RM1.60 to RM2.10.
Protestors also called on passing motorists to honk in support.
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Hundreds protest at toll booths ahead of rate hike
Hundreds of protesters have taken to toll plazas across Klang Valley to protest the imminent toll rate hike which will come into effect at midnight.
Selangor PAS Youth held demonstrations at toll booths along several highways including the Guthrie Expressway, the Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway (Duke), the Kemuning Shah Alam-Highway (LKSA) and the Kajang Dispersal Link Expressway (Silk).
Selangor DAP also led a protest at a toll plaza along the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP).
The protest by PAS and DAP were held independent of each other as the two parties are still on bad terms.
In Shah Alam, the protest led by PAS near a toll booth on the Guthrie Expressway saw some 40 participants.
They held up banners such as “Thank you BN!”, “Toll going up again” and “Reduce cost of living, reject toll”.
Other protesters held banners asking road users to honk if they supported their cause.
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The protestors were largely PAS members from Klang and Shah Alam.
“We are already facing many difficult issues such as the GST, 1MDB, the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement […] today we state our latest opposition to the toll hikes,” said Shah Alam PAS Youth chief Mohd Huzaifah Mokhtar.
PAS Youth exco member Saifulrizal Saifon said his party will submit a memorandum on the matter when Parliament convenes next week.
The group dispersed at around 6.20pm after protesting for more than 30 minutes.
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Meanwhile, at the Petaling Jaya Selatan toll plaza along LDP, Selangor DAP Youth led some 100 protesters, mostly clad in black, against the impending toll hike.
They were armed with multi-lingual placards which read: “Tol making the rakyat suffer”, “Stop highway robbery” and “Toll goes up, youths suffer”.
One protester even dressed up as Count Dracula and held up a placard which read “BN is the blood-sucking vampire”.
Several DAP elected representatives were present to show their support including Puchong MP Gobind Deo Singh, Bukit Gasing state assemblyperson Rajiv Rishyakaran and Damansara Utama state assemblyperson Yeo Bee Yin.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/315758
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Amy Chan AWANI #Awani745 Kenaikan harga tol: Protes di tol bersama wartawan @HilalAzmi sebentar lagi @501Awani
#Awani745 Syarikat konsesi lebuh raya: Kenaikan tol perlu, pastikan hutang dibayar @501Awani sebentar lagi
Nor Miswary® @GobindSinghDeo Kenaikan tol bebankan semua org termasuk ahli parlimen!
@GobindSinghDeo Toll increase bebankan all org including Member of Parliament!
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@GobindSinghDeo Bantah kenaikan tol!!
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Malay Mail Online
Swapping toll hikes with projects easier said than done, concessionaires tell Rafizi
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — Toll concessionaires today dismissed Pakatan Harapan’s proposal for the government to offer new road projects in lieu of toll rate hikes, saying that the plan may end up becoming too convoluted a system to pursue.
The Malaysian Highway Concession Companies’ Association (PSKLM) said the first right of refusal mechanism described by PKR secretary-general Rafizi Ramli assumes that any one of the 31 highway concession holders can simply swoop in and build a highway.
The association stressed, however, that it neglects the rigorous planning and high risk and cost involved in developing and managing a highway, not to mention the viability of the project which depends chiefly on the terms of the concession agreement.
Beyond those factors, PSKLM noted that the plan mooted by Rafizi is akin to the principle of novation, which would make the federal government obliged to provide a “replacement project” for each of the 31 existing concession holders.
In the event that the projects given deal with infrastructure other than roads – such as hospitals – concessionaires would end up spending more money to get the necessary expertise and equipment and eventually lead to ballooning construction costs, it said.
“This would also mean existing companies that specialise in hospital construction will no longer be able to compete for the project, because it has been given directly to the concession company,” the association said in a statement.
“This surely goes against the principles of openness and fair competition that are being used in the market,” it added.
PSKLM said concession holders would likely be unable to meet their financial obligations if toll rates are not raised in exchange for replacement projects, as their loans are typically based on the projected cash flow from a periodic increase in toll rates as detailed in the concession agreements.
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Malay Mail Online
Selangor summons state GLCs over LDP, KESAS toll hikes
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 14 — The Selangor government has directed state-owned entities Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor (PKNS) and Kumpulan Perangsang Selangor (KPS) to explain toll rate increases at two highways in the state, Mentri Besar Azmin Ali said today.
In a series of tweets, Azmin said he has asked both government-linked corporations to attend the Selangor Economic Action Council (MTES) meeting tomorrow as the firms hold minority stakes in the companies running the Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS) and Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP).
“MTES will scrutinise the feedback from PKNS and KPS. The state government’s policy is clear in rejecting any toll hike that burdens the rakyat,” he said in a post on the microblogging site.
The Selangor state government owns 30 per cent of Kesas Sdn Bhd through PKNS and a 20 per cent stake in Litrak, the operator for both the Sprint and LDP, via KPS.
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13 October 2015
Pro-Najib portal wants Sosma used on toll operators
Pro-Najib portal wants #Sosma used on #toll operators https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/315588 @NajibRazak
A pro-government portal today demanded that the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) be used against toll operators after it was announced yesterday that toll rates for 18 highways will be increased by 100 percent.
MyKMU, which has in recent months staunchly defended Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak against calls for his resignation, said toll operators were guilty of “economic sabotage”.
“It would be appropriate if action is taken under Sosma 2012 for economic sabotage and sparking public anger at the government.
“The government cannot compromise with old cronies who try to sabotage the country’s economy and government of the day.
“Just seize all the highways and nationalise them. Arrest all the concessionaires who are insistent on defending their lopsided deals,” it said.
https://www.malaysiakini.com/news/315588
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12 October 2015
Malaysian Insider
Toll hikes anger, puzzle lawmakers, motorists
The announcement of toll hikes on six major highways starting October 15 has been greeted with both dismay and perplexity.
Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai told The Malaysian Insider that the new rates would add to the burden of middle-income earners who were already suffering from the high cost of living.
“There has been no salary increase for middle-income earners for years. How are they going to cope with this on top of the goods and services tax that was introduced six months ago?” he said.
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Batu MP Chua Tian Chang said the toll hikes were unjustifiable.
“If the government wants to increase rates, then it should inform the public of the changes that have taken place which justify the increase. As it is, even the operational cost of the highways remain the same,” he said.
Segambut MP Lim Lip Eng said the toll hikes were a clear sign that the government lacked funds.
“Opposition MPs will propose an emergency motion on Monday, (October 19) when Parliament convenes, to discuss the new rates. I hope lawmakers from both sides will be against the toll hike,” he said.
Motorist Huang Congxian, 47, said the toll increase was unacceptable.
“The people are already havinga hard time making ends meet. Instead of stimulating the economy, the government is further burdening the people.
“This will force me to vote for a government that cares for the welfare of the people who put it in power,” he said.
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Here’s an updated list of all the toll hikes, which kicks off on October 15th http://bit.ly/1jYhSd3
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Toll rates rise by up to 80 pct on Thursday
#UPDATED New toll rates effective October 15th.
Users of major highways will have to pay higher tolls of up to RM3 more, starting from Thursday (Oct 15), as the concessionaires bump up rates.
This comes after the Land Transport Commission (Spad) said LRT fares will go up next month. Spad did not reveal the new rates.
The new rates announced represents hikes of up to 80 percent (from RM1.00 to RM1.80 for car users of Kajang-Silk Highway).
Unlike in previous years, the toll hike announcements are done by the concesionaires in separate statements to the media, and not through the government.
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Here’s the new toll rates for @MexTraffic, following today’s toll increase announcement http://bit.ly/1jYhSd3
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Here’s the new toll rates for @LebuhrayaDUKE, following today’s toll increase announcement http://bit.ly/1jYhSd3
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Malay Mail Online
No toll hikes for our highways, PLUS confirms
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 – There will be no changes in the toll rates for any of the eight highways in Malaysia under PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS), the company said today.
“PLUS Malaysia Berhad (PLUS) wishes to reiterate that toll rates on all PLUS-operated highways will currently remain unchanged.
“PLUS also wishes to clarify that toll rates on the PLUS-operated highways have remain the same and unchanged since 2005,” it said in a statement today.
The eight highways operated by PLUS include the North-South Expressway (NSE), the New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), the Federal Highway Route 2 (FHR2) and the Seremban Port-Dickson Highway (SPDH).
The firm also operates the North-South Expressway Central Link (NSECL), the Malaysia-Singapura Second Crossing (MSSC), the Lebuhraya Butterworth-Kulim (BKE) and the Penang Bridge.
The statement by PLUS comes just hours after reports of toll hikes between RM 0.20 to RM3.00 for several highways in the Klang Valley.
– See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/no-toll-hikes-for-our-highways-plus-confirms#sthash.YuOzE3in.dpuf
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Tolls may go up on 16 highways; perhaps as many as 19.
13 June 2015
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4:40PM Jun 13, 2015
PKR: Najib the one who betrayed us on toll hike
Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak is the one who has betrayed the rakyat, not the person who had leaked information on the impending highway toll hike, said PKR.
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Sim said the government should be transparent in all its policies, including the possible hike in toll charges.
“Any attempt to hide the toll hike from the rakyat is a form of betrayal of the rakyat’s trust,” he said in a statement today.
The PKR parliamentarian also said the government had thus far betrayed the rakyat by hiding the terms of highway toll concessions from public view.
“Until now, no one knows the terms of highway toll concessions and everything is under the Official Secrets Act (OSA).
“The terms are very much on the side of concessionaires, most of whom are Umno-BN cronies,” he claimed.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/301720
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Najib’s cabinet is leaking like a sieve!
PM @NajibRazak ticked off those who leaked on cabinet’s discussion on toll rate to social media #nst170
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Malaysiakini
Jun 13, 2015
Toll hike leak a betrayal, says PM
The person who leaked information on the impending increase in hikeway toll charges has betrayed the trust of the cabinet, said Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak.
At a press conference after chairing the BN supreme council meeting in Kuala Lumpur last night, Najib said the matter had generated unnecessary negative sentiments towards his administration.
He stressed that the increase in toll charges was not final.
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“Unfortunately, there has been a leak through the social media and the matter is being played up.
“It is very unfortunate that someone was unethical and has betrayed the trust of the government,” he said.
http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/301674
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官不知民苦啊！
中國報訊：隨著國內有16至19條大道醞釀于今年8月調漲過路費約30%，加上西馬半島非電力領域天然氣價格也將從7月1日起漲價，可以預見今年下半年，物價料將紛紛喊漲，人民苦上加苦。
詳細報導翻閱今晚／明日《中國報》／http://www.chinapress.com.my/node/629413
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Cabinet mulls highway toll hike http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/301665
The cabinet has discussed the possibility of increasing the toll rates for 16 highways nationwide, said a source. A majority of the ministers who attended today’s cabinet meeting appeared to be in favour of the hike with only a handful objecting, the source told Malaysiakini. However, it wasn’t immediately known if the cabinet arrived at any decision.
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Malay Mail Online
Minister confirms Cabinet discussed toll hike proposal
Malay Mail Online
Dr M suggests Putrajaya hiking toll rates to pay for ‘soured’ loans
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Star
Friday June 12, 2015 MYT 3:55:25 PM
Highway toll charges may go up by 30%
PETALING JAYA: The Government is seriously mulling a move to raise toll charges by 30%. According to sources, the matter was raised during the Cabinet meeting on Friday.
The move is expected to affect at least 16 highways, though the number may rise to 19. If, for example, the toll on the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) was increased, the charge would rise from the current RM1.60 to RM2.10.
http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/06/12/Toll-charges-may-rise/ —
Star
Friday June 12, 2015 MYT 5:03:36 PM
No toll hike since 2007
PETALING JAYA: According to concession agreements, toll rates were due for an increase in 2011. However, the government staved off the increase by compensating concessionaire companies and there was no increase that year. The last major toll hike took place more than eight years ago.
In 2007, the government-approved toll on the Damansara-Puchong highway took effect on Jan 1, with motorists using the LDP paying a toll of RM1.60 compared with RM1 previously.
On May 25 this year, Works Minister Datuk Fadillah Yusof suggested increasing toll charges during peak hours to ease congestion. The Government is now mulling a move to raise toll charges by 30%, a proposal that was raised in Friday’s Cabinet meeting, according to sources.
It remains unclear if the proposed 30% toll hike would be implemented in one go or in stages.
No toll hike since 2007 http://dlvr.it/BBDGWk
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weehingthong 