Selangor Gerakan Youth calls on MHA to assert authoritative role in safeguarding the interest of highway users Chai Ko Thing: Highway concessionaires must put public interest above corporate profit (16.5.16)

Selangor Gerakan Youth Secretary Chai Ko Thing was unimpressed with a statement by Director General of Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA) Dato’ Ir Hj. Ismail Bin Md. Salleh as reported in Bernama yesterday (18 April) for saying that it has yet to receive any response from highway concessionaires on MHA’s proposal to implement flexi toll rates and it would leave the decision-making to the concessionaires.

Chai said MHA has sent a wrong message to the public that they are submissive to the concessionaires. He called on MHA to assert its authoritative role to safeguard the interest of highway users.

Chai who is also the spokesperson for the Gerakan-initiated BetterMalaysia survey has previously conducted a public survey on the affordability of toll rates and subsequently submitted a memorandum to MHA on proposals to enhance the cashless toll collection system.

Chai stressed that MHA as a statutory body under the Work Ministry, it has the power to supervise and ensure good quality and efficient toll facilities provided by the highway concessionaires. In fact, under the Highway Authority Malaysia (Incorporation) Act 1980, MHA is entrusted and empowered by the Act to safeguard the interest of highway users.

“MHA is legally and morally obligated with its given power to make revision order on rates and manner of toll payment as provided under Section 11 and Section 15 of the Highway Authority Malaysia (Incorporation) Act 1980, it should not surrender its institutional responsibility or power easily and let the concessionaires to do their whims and fancy without refereeing to the laws and authority,” stressed Chai.

Chai urged MHA to review its position and assert authority over its role in the determination of rates and manner of toll payment.

He expressed support to MHA’s proposal for flexible toll rates with the introduction of cheaper toll rates during non-rush hour periods which could help ease traffic congestion.

He hoped MHA would be more proactive in safeguarding the interest of highway users and called for necessary adjustments to improve toll rates affordability.