Madani Government Promises to Abolish Tolls and PTPTN: Are the People Comfortable or Is It a Necessity?

KUALA LUMPUR: The Madani government recently announced its commitment to abolish all tolls in Malaysia. This move has garnered significant attention, but questions arise as to whether the public truly desires this abolition, or if it is a necessity to ensure their well-being given their current income levels.

Public Opinion: Comfortable or Not?

Several people interviewed indicated that they are now more “comfortable” with the toll payments they make, considering their increasing income levels. “With my current income, I feel that paying tolls is no longer a major issue. I value the convenience and comfort of the roads,” said Ahmad Firdaus, a driver who frequently uses the North-South Expressway.

However, some opinions differ. “Even though my income has slightly increased, tolls remain a burden. If the government is truly serious, they should abolish tolls as a primary step to improve the quality of life for the people,” said Nurul Huda, a private sector worker in Kuala Lumpur.

Government’s Responsibility: Creating Balance

Many economists argue that abolishing tolls is not an easy decision. The abolition of tolls requires careful study of its impact on government revenue as well as the cost of road maintenance.

Economic analyst Dr. Zulkifli Ismail believes that while the abolition of tolls is a necessity, the government must ensure that this move does not negatively affect the country’s finances. “If the Madani government wishes to create a fairer toll system, they should consider alternatives such as reducing toll rates based on travel distance or utilizing new technologies like touchless tolls,” he said.

Anwar’s Proposal: Tolls for B40 and PTPTN

Meanwhile, in a recent statement from 2022, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, identified 36 key policies aimed at transforming Malaysia, including abolishing toll payments and PTPTN repayments specifically for the B40 group. This proposal was outlined in the book SCRIPT-For a Better Malaysia, which presents the vision and policy framework for the country’s future.

Anwar suggested providing a ‘Toll Pass’ for the B40 group and abolishing PTPTN repayments as a way to ease their financial burden. Additionally, he proposed studying the toll system for the M40 and T20 groups, as well as several reforms in education and taxation systems.

Conclusion: A Step Towards Well-being

Overall, while the abolition of tolls may be seen as a positive step for the public, it still requires careful planning and practical solutions. Is the abolition of tolls a necessity for the government, or is it a convenience the people desire? What will be the impact on the B40 group with the abolition of PTPTN? Only time will tell how these changes will benefit the people of Malaysia.