SHAH ALAM, 16 JAN: The announcement of reducing the toll price for Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas) is yet another gimmick by the Umno-BN government as we draw up to the 13th General Elections (GE-13) to obscure the eyes of the people.
The reduce in toll price claims to have no absolute guarantee from the Umno-BN government, it will not be increased if they are given the mandate again after GE-13.
Selangor AMK Chief, Azmizam Zaman Huri said that the Federal Government is urged to abolish the toll and also elsewhere and not to just lower the toll rates, which the prices are not that much.
“Previously, Umno-BN said that if the toll prices are reduced, the government will bankrupt by stating that the government cannot afford to pay compensation to the concessionaire.
“But to reduce the toll price at Kesas, how then can the government pay compensation to the concessionaire?
“Umno-BN’s action highlights that they are increasingly desperate to lure votes after the People’s Uprising Assembly took place,” said Azmizam when contacted by TV Selangor.
Azmizam explained that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) is committed to abolishing tolls as defined in the Orange Book to ease the burden of the people.
Previously, the people held demonstrations demanding that the Federal Highway Toll on Mile 3 in Shah Alam and Sungai Rasau in Klang be abolished with the reason that it was burdening the people and no longer relevant.
He added that now, there is a reduction in cash toll lanes with additional lanes for ‘Touch N Go’ and ‘SmartTag’ where people have to purchase it at a certain price in advance.
“The people have to pay first, like buying the card for RM100 without it having been used yet.
“And this is one of the new ways the Umno-BN takes the people’s money first and store when the people have yet to use it to pay the toll,” he said.
Previously, the government announced that the toll rate of the Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas) will be reduced between 10 sen and 40 sen.
The toll rates for Class 1, which is for regular cars, will be reduced by 20 sen which is from RM2.20 to RM2.
For Class 2 vehicles, which are two axles or six wheels (except for buses) will enjoy a toll rate reduction of 30 sen (from RM3.30 to RM3).
While Class 3, which are vehicles with 3 axles or more by 40 sen (from RM4.40 to RM4), Class 5 which are taxis by 10 sen ( from RM1.10 to RM1) while Class 5 which are buses will enjoy a 20 sen reduction (from RM 1.70 to RM1.50).
The Kesas Highway which is 34.5km is a municipal expressway that links Sri Petaling in Kuala Lumpur and Pandamaran in Klang.