THERE will be no toll hikes this year as the postponement of the increase, which was implemented throughout 2021, will continue in 2022, says the Works Ministry.

       Last year, the proposed increase for three highways was shelved for the Jan 1 to Dec 31 period, and also that for 26 other highways, the ministry added.

       “The government has decided to restructure the toll rates and this is to be negotiated with the highway concessionaires and must be finalised before 2023.

       “Throughout the negotiation period, the gazetted toll rates are maintained and the postponement of the toll rate increase will be continued for 2022,” the ministry said in a written parliamentary reply in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

       This was in response to a question by Gobind Singh Deo (PH-Puchong) who asked about the status of the toll hike and whether it would be implemented this year.

       The ministry added that based on the concession agreements, should the government implement toll fares lower than the agreed rate or abolish toll collection, the government would have to pay compensation to the concession company.

       Last year, the government postponed the scheduled increase in toll rates for three major highways, which was to have taken effect on Jan 1, 2021, involving Shah Alam Highway (Kesas), South Klang Valley Highway (SKVE) and East Coast Highway Phase 2 (LPT2).

       Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said the Cabinet made the decision in view of the rising cost of living due to the Covid-19 pandemic.