The Malaysian Insight

IT is not advisable for Putrajaya to abolish tolls in today’s dire economic climate, said Daim Zainuddin.

The former finance minister said the people would understand.

“I think while the idea is to remove tolls completely, it is not wise to do it in the present financial situation. The people will understand,” Daim said in a press conference today.

Pakatan Harapan had promised in its manifesto to abolish tolls nationwide.

This was condemned by the opposition as not feasible and expensive.

The Council of Eminent Persons chairman said Malaysia might be able to abolish tolls in the future, but would need to study its feasibility.

“There are ways of doing it. I think we need a little more time,” Daim said.

Daim said, however, that Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong had erred in saying that abolishing tolls would cost the government up to RM400 billion.

He said this was the estimated figure given by the previous Barisan Nasional government, and that the actual figure was lower.

“I cannot reveal the exact figure, but it’s not RM400 billion. We have made our recommendation,” he said.

The 100-day mandate of the council, set up to advise the new Pakatan Harapan government on various matters, ended yesterday.

The council will be presenting a report to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad upon his return from China. – August 20, 2018.