Backbenchers Club chairperson Tiong King Sing today described the 10 percent discount announced by toll concessionaire Plus and Works Minister Mohd Zin Mohamed as 'insincere'.

tiong king sing The Bintulu MP said if the government and Plus are serious in helping vehicle owners, they should propose a reduction on toll rates instead of giving discounts for those who use the highway from midnight to 7am.

"I don't think they have given serious consideration to the matter. Are they encouraging people to use the highway at midnight?" he told a press conference held at his office in Parliament.

Two days ago, Plus and the minister announced a discounted toll rate between midnight and 7am for their concessions - Plus highway and the North-South Expressway Central Link (Elite).

A six-day additional discount period will take effect during festive seasons of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas.

It was also announced that users of the two highways who spend more than RM200 monthly will be given an additional five percent rebate. This is, however, limited to Touch N' Go card holders and Smart Tag users.

The new system will take effect from Jan 1, 2009 and end on Dec 31, 2010.

The new rates do not apply to commercial vehicles that often travel at the time when the discounts take effect.

Don't give in to concessionaires

According to Tiong, this was another example of the 'insincerity' of the scheme and he urged the government and Plus to reduced toll rates for all vehicles.

The backbenchers chief said the government must not give in to big concessionaires.

"We (the government) should not just think about (honoring) the contract with the concessionaires only. If Plus is sincere about wanting to help the nation, the company should think about how they can help the people in light of the global economic slowdown," he said.

He said the Works Ministry should closely monitor the traffic flow on the Plus highway and should the toll revenue exceed its pre-estimation, the company should reduce the rates.

"Although there is a contract, why cant we sit down together and discuss for a win-win situation," he said, adding that the government should not be afraid to act tough against the concessionaires.