Toll concessionaires have recouped more than double their costs

(The Star) – Toll concessionaires have collected more than double the cost of constructing their highways from the start of their operations up to 2017, says Work Minister Baru Bian.

He revealed that there were 29 highways with tolls that would still be in operation until the end of their concessions.

“The total amount of construction costs for 29 highways is RM35.14bil.

“The amount of compensation paid (to concessionaires) from 1990 to 2017 is RM5.109bil.

Akmal had asked the Ministry to state the construction costs, maintenance, and operating costs of each highway.

Baru Bian said the average total operational and maintenance cost for the highways is about RM2.5bil a year.

“The total average operational costs for 29 highways is RM1.7bil a year. Routine maintenance stood at RM402mil annually and periodic maintenance and upgrade costs are about RM459mil a year,” he said.

He also noted that there were two concessions that were ending in 10 years’ time, 16 ending between 11 and 20 years’ time, and another 11 highways where tolls will be collected beyond the next two decades.

Baru Bian said his ministry was given six months to negotiate with the stakeholders and concessionaires on Pakatan Harapan’s election manifesto to abolish tolls.

“After six months, we will submit a few proposals based on the on-going negotiations. We will see if there is any space in the agreements for a review and will act accordingly,” he added.