DAP Chairman, Lim Guan Eng promised that if Pakatan Harapan (PH) wins the general election (GE15) and forms the next federal government, tolls on the PLUS North-South Expressway will be abolished.
Lim stated at a pre-GE15 campaign dinner that PH decreased highway tolls by 18% while in power for 22 months.
Former Prime Minister, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said abolishing tolls were not feasible as tolls were needed to get money to maintain, repair damaged roads or widen roads because the government does not have enough money to finance that aspect.
So, now that PH has formed the government, the question is whether they will honour their promise to abolish tolls.
Previous studies have shown that tolls can not just be abolished as it does require a government buyout.
Abolishing tolls is a short-sighted approach, both economically and environmentally. To begin with, abolishing tolls helps the wealthier half of the population more than the lower half.
It is generally seen to be more equitable to keep highways free of tolls. However, studies have shown that the advantages of free roads flow more to the wealthy than to the poor since the wealthy drive more. By eliminating tolls, those who do not drive are subsidising those who do.
Now back to the question, is it going to happen?
Well, we will just have to wait and see.
