The Penang government is questioning the federal government's decision to raise toll rates for the Penang bridge in view of the decision to slash the Johor-Singapore Second Link bridge.

NONE Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng ( right ) said that the move was unfair as a discount was being given to a bridge jointly used by Malaysians and Singaporeans, but a scheduled hike in toll rates is in store for another bridge mostly used by locals.

"Why is it that in the case of Johor, where the link is between two countries, the toll rate is reduced. In Penang, the bridge in question links the island and the mainland. Both are in same country - 1Malaysia - but the toll is increased.

"In Johor, the toll reduction will benefit Singaporeans and Malaysians. In Penang, a toll reduction will benefit all Malaysians," said Lim, who is Bagan MP, at the Parliament lobby today.

Lim said that the federal government must fulfil its pledges of inclusiveness under its 1Malaysia concept and review the scheduled toll rates increase for the Penang bridge.

He said that such a move would be consistent with the decision to reduce the toll rate for the Second Link, which takes effect on Aug 1.

"We hope that the government will be fair and review the toll hike so that the people of Penang can also enjoy the same benefits as the people of Johor," he said.

Penang bridge has broken even

He also expressed "amazement" that the federal government reduced the toll rate despite the Second Link being a unprofitable.

penang bridge In contrast, Lim said the Penang bridge ( left ) has already broken even and should reduce the toll rate, instead of increasing it.

"This is the other way around overseas. When a highway has recouped its cost, you cut toll rates in the interest of the people," he said.

Offering a theory, Lim said the federal government may be using the Penang bridge revenue to "subsidise" the losses of the Second Link.

During a joint press conference yesterday, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and his Singaporean counterpart Lee Hsien Loong announced the slashing of Second Link's toll prices to boost bilateral ties.

Currently, motorists have to pay between RM1.60 (for motorcycles) and RM48.90 (for large lorries) at the Tanjung Kupang toll plaza while at Singapore's Tuas checkpoint, they have to fork out S$0.70 (RM1.63) and S$21 (RM48.76) for motorcycles and large lorries respectively.

At the Penang bridge, motorist pay between RM1.40 (for motorcycles) and RM75 (for large lorries) at the Sebarang Jaya toll booth. Saloon car owners pay RM7.