Putrajaya going to take over tolls one by one, says Azmin
Taking over toll concessions will take time and has to be done in stages, Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali said today.
Responding to Umno acting president Mohamad Hasan's criticisms over Putrajaya's recent announcement on new toll mechanisms at four highways in the Klang Valley, Azmin said there are processes that the government need to go through...
Taking over toll concessions will take time and has to be done in stages, Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali said today.
Responding to Umno acting president Mohamad Hasan's criticisms over Putrajaya's recent announcement on new toll mechanisms at four highways in the Klang Valley, Azmin said there are processes that the government needed to go through.
Yesterday Mohamad questioned the Pakatan Harapan government for not taking over the highway concession owned by Plus Malaysia Berhad (Plus).
"(We have to do it) one by one... You (reporter) yourself said just now that the country is under a big financial burden," Azmin said.
"And you also should not take much from Umno's words. When we took over four (concession companies), they said we do not have the financial ability. But then they ask us to take over another company.
"So how? Which is which?" he said when met after an event at Bandar Tasek Kesuma in Beranang, Selangor.
The PKR deputy president said the takeover of tolls had been on Harapan's agenda, which had been discussed many times along with other promises in its manifesto since the coalition took over Putrajaya last year.
Azmin also pointed to his experience in dealing with the takeover of water concessionaires when he was the Selangor menteri besar, saying that this takeover took the state administration 10 years to finalise.
"Because this (toll issue) is in the manifesto, we discussed it in the cabinet and it will take time.
"When I wanted to take over water companies in Selangor, it took me nearly 10 years.
"We need to think of the financial implications, existing agreements which had been signed - that's why it needs negotiation," Azmin said.
Mohamad (photo) also questioned Putrajaya's motive in taking over concession companies owned by Gamuda Bhd (Gamuda), saying that it would be more appropriate if the administration takes over Plus instead.
He said this was because the shares of Plus were owned by the government through Khazanah Malaysia and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), instead of privately-owned Gamuda.
This came after the government announced that it is going to do away with the existing toll mechanism and replace it with a congestion charge at four highways.
The four highways involved in the initial discussion with Gamuda are the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP), Western KL Traffic Dispersal System (Sprint Expressway), Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas) and the Smart Tunnel.
Mohamad also questioned the government for not disclosing the amount to take over the concessions from Gamuda.
To this, Azmin said the matter is still under negotiation.
"This is still being negotiated. How can you disclose details of the discussion when it is not yet concluded?" he explained.
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