Consumer groups appear sceptical of the motive for the government’s 20 percent toll rebate, as they suggest that implementation be tweaked to benefit the biggest number of people.

The rebate system has been labelled an “interim measure” to lighten the burden of road users with effect from Sept 1. Motorists can claim the rebate from selected Touch 'n Go counters every month or once every three months.

traffic jams traffic congestion Details have yet to be revealed as to who will bear the cost of the rebate and if it applies to toll charges on highways around the Klang Valley or those nationwide.

National Consumer Complaints Centre head Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah asked why rebates are not automatically credited into the motorists’ accounts, since toll systems are computerised.

“It would be inconvenient for motorists to make their way to designated Touch 'n Go counters to claim the rebate,” he noted.

“Is this (being done) because the government is aware that not many people will take the trouble to claim the rebate?

He also questioned the need for at least 80 transactions a month before motorists qualify for the rebate.

“The prime minister sounds like he is a promoter for Touch 'n Go… Why not just give a 20 percent flat rate to all users?” he asked.

Muhammad Sha’ani also said that such blanket policies do not target people who need the most help.

petrol price hike before increase panic consumers 040608 01 “The travel expenses of the businessman have already been accounted for. Why should the government reward them further?

“This is just like the petrol subsidy. Millionaires with big cars benefit the most, while people with no cars (get nothing).”

Beyond the Klang Valley

Pahang Association of Consumers secretary Mohd Saiful Abdullah agreed that the rebate would only “benefit rich businessmen”, including those who use the East Cost highway frequently.

In Pahang, he said, most people do not use Touch 'n Go frequently. This indicates that the policy would most likely be of greater use to frequent users of toll highways in the Klang Valley.

toll booths smarttag and touch n go booths “Here, people do not use Touch 'n Go to when they run errands (or when they) pick up their kids.”

The government should not waste resources contributed by all citizens, just for the benefit of a certain group, he said.

Questioning how the rebate would help the people, he also asked why lorries are not included in the scheme.

“If you include lorries, at least it would have some impact on the price of goods,” he explained.

Perak Consumer Association president Abdul Rahman Said Alli acknowledged that the concept is good, but described it as a “cosmetic exercise”.

He suggested that toll rates should be reduced across the board in order to benefit all highway users.

“Why would I want to travel from Ipoh to Kuala Lumpur 80 times a month?” he asked rhetorically.