Another secret, another worry
(My SinChew) – The issue has again exposed the common problem of government projects, namely the lack of transparency. They keep the content of project contracts and toll charges as a secret and do not know that the more secrets they keep, the more worried the people get. It then followed by suspicion and distrust. As a result, it leads to public anger and costs the government a political price.
Johor residents are waiting for the disclosure of toll charges for the new Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) and hoping for a win-win solution, instead of a “single-win” programme with incidental compensation conditions.
The 8.1km EDL costs RM977 million, connecting the North-South Expressway Southern route and the new Sultan Iskandar Building CIQ Complex in the city centre.
It is understood that project concessionaire, MRCB Lingkaran Selatan Sdn Bhd (MLSSB), has 34 years of concession and operating right, while toll charges would be decided by the government.
From a macro perspective, the EDL is a huge project benefiting the people, which does not only improve the traffic situation in Johor Bahru, but also help to promote national tourism, and economic development in Johor.
However, such a highly expected project, which can help win the people’s support, has ended up a controversial issue, due to the unclear toll charges. If it is not properly handled, it could even become a political burden for the BN in the next general election.
Today, Johor Bahru residents are most concerned about the charges, instead of the repeatedly delayed start of operation.
Johor Bahru residents understand that there is no such thing as free lunch. Although it is impossible to be free, the charges should at least be reasonable. Otherwise, it could trigger public discontentment which could be vented on the ballot paper.
The construction of the EDL has been completed and it will start operating soon. However, the authorities are still being secretive regarding the charges, causing the spread of various rumours and gossips.
It is said that the two-way fare between Johor Bahru and Singapore wound be RM15.30!
It is said that according to the agreement between Malaysia and Singapore, Singapore will also raise its vehicle entry fee to RM15.30. In other words, the total toll charges would be RM30.60!
It is said that the toll station is located at the checkpoints and non-users of the EDL are also subjected to pay the toll charges!
If the above mentioned rumours are true, it would undoubtedly a nightmare to Johor Bahru residents. Not only the people are opposing to it, but even state assembly members, members of the parliament and state Menteri Besar also criticised it!
In fact, the toll charges have been decided as early as when the concessionaire inked the contract with the government. However, they are not disclosed as they are “highly confidential”.
The issue has again exposed the common problem of government projects, namely the lack of transparency. They keep the content of project contracts and toll charges as a secret and do not know that the more secrets they keep, the more worried the people get. It then followed by suspicion and distrust. As a result, it leads to public anger and costs the government a political price.
