I refer to the Malaysiakini reports Highway contracts to be declassified and 10% discount for night riders .

The upcoming national leadership under Najib Abdul Razak is giving some hope for our nation’s future.

Amongst the best indication of that is the declassification of the highway toll agreements and the related documents involving toll concessionaires and the reduction of toll discount of 10% for vehicles plying the North-South Highway between 12 am. and 7 am.

The declassification of the toll concessionaires’ documents is most welcome as the public gets to see vital information related to toll concessionaires. This would enable both the authorities and the public could inspect, scrutinise and most importantly, understand the various actions of the toll concessionaires.

This would also push the concessionaires to be thrifty and control their financial dealings. It is a very wise and farsighted move by our deputy prime minister.

As for the 10% reduction in toll announced by Projek Lebuhraya Utara-Selatan, it gives the rakyat mixed feelings. Happy because, if my memory is right, this is the first time we are hearing of the toll rate being reduced and not increased.

But even though it is a long-awaited gesture from the government, limiting it to between 2 am to 7 am is disappointing to many of those who use those highways. This would mean that one should use the highway during this given time frame to enjoy the 10% discount.

If they do that, then many of them would face increased hazards in driving as it would be in the wee hours of the morning.

If my instinct is right, this ruling would see nearly all the toll booths heavily crowded with vehicles just before any of the entry points. Why? They have reached the toll booths earlier than 12 am so they would rather wait another five, ten or15 minutes and get the 10% discount.

Just imagine how chaotic will the areas near the toll booths will be. In another scenario, some drivers are likely to speed on the highway. Why? They would want to reach the toll booth before 7am to enjoy the discount.

In both the above scenarios, we can foresee the additional jeopardy the highway users are going to be exposed to.

Why not we make it like this - let the discount on the toll rates be at 5% with no time frame set. This would make every party involved happy.