Pakatan Harapan's prime minister-designate Dr Mahathir Mohamad has defended the toll rates in Malaysia.
The former premier cited how Japanese motorists had to dig much deeper into their pockets compared to their Malaysian counterparts.
For example, Mahathir pointed out that the North-South (Plus) Highway managed to tackle the problem of congestion during festive periods but the people remain dissatisfied with the toll rates.
However, the Harapan chairperson said if there are no tolls, it would be difficult to maintain the highways.
“In Malaysia, they (toll rates) are far cheaper. In Japan, it would cost RM270 to use a bridge just for one way.
“But it has been RM7 for the Penang bridge since it was built in the 1980s...
“While there are those who complain over the RM7 for two-ways, (to use) a similar bridge in Japan would cost RM500,” he added during a live Facebook interview this morning.
Meanwhile, Mahathir said for the nation to have public transport systems like the LRT and MRT, it must be followed by a bus system to ferry passengers to the stations.
“This must be put in place and would incur expenses.
“Apart from this, numerous other facilities must be in place to ensure the smooth running of the MRT system without burdening the investors and government too much, to the point where the government must reduce its allocation for other projects,” he added.
The MRT system, a brainchild of Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak, had continuously been touted by him as being "world class".
Following the launch of the MRT Sungai Buloh-Kajang line, Communications
and Multimedia Minister Salleh Said Keruak (photo) had said that the MRT was Najib's "gift to the people".
Mahathir was responding to a question from Facebook user Khalid Karim, who claimed that the current administration has ignored the commuter and bus systems, resulting in a decline of public transportation users.
“We can increase public transportation facilities but if the cost is too high, the people might not be able to utilise it,” said the former premier.
