PARLIAMENT | Deputy Works Minister Ahmad Maslan (BN-Pontian) has backed calls for Genting Malaysia Bhd to ensure fair exemptions from a new private road charge for vehicles entering Jalan Genting Highlands.

Addressing the Dewan Rakyat today, Ahmad asserted that, in his personal opinion, the toll fee should only apply to those who are heading up to Jalan Genting Highlands for “leisure”, instead of a blanket charge on every road user.

“I don’t think workers should be charged… The Aminuddin Baki Institute is also there (Jalan Genting Highlands), surely they shouldn’t be charged as well.

“I think it’s reasonable to only charge those going up there for leisure. Those passing through for social purposes, I don’t see why they should be charged,” the deputy minister said in his winding-up speech for the Supply Bill 2026 at the committee stage.

Pointing out that certain plots of land in the relevant areas, including hotels built by other companies, are not owned by Genting Malaysia, Ahmad recommended that the firm negotiate with such parties regarding the road charge as it could affect overall visitor rates.

“I think if they (Genting Malaysia) set a high price, fewer tourists will go there. That’s a risk they have to take. Tourists will choose other places without charges or that are not on private roads,” he said.

He also urged against labelling the vehicle charge as a “toll”, cautioning that such a mischaracterisation could lead to confusion among the public, given the 33 existing toll concessions on highways.

“The federal government has no involvement with the private road (in question). The ones involved in determining how (the vehicle charge) will be implemented are the state government and the Bentong Municipal Council,” Ahmad affirmed.

‘Charge needed’

Previously, Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi clarified that since the access road leading into Genting Highlands lies on private land, the road is not under federal jurisdiction, leaving the ministry with no legal or regulatory power over the road.

This came after Genting Malaysia confirmed plans to introduce charges for vehicles entering Jalan Genting Highlands, with implementation expected at a date to be announced later.

Works Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi

The company had said that the new private road charge is needed to cover the steep and rising costs of maintaining the 24km mountain road and its surrounding slopes, which have been solely borne by the company since the 1960s.

Subsequently, DAP MP Young Syefura Othman (Harapan-Bentong) had reportedly urged the company to ensure that the fee rates are fair and not financially burdensome for road users.

Pahang state executive councillor Razali Kassim had also reminded Genting Malaysia to consider the interests and welfare of local residents and workers before implementing the charge.

Reporting by Qistina Nadia Dzulqarnain, Dania Kamal Aryf, Shakira Buang

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