Abolition of Lanang Bridge toll brings praises and relief

Toll-free soon: Motorists using the Lanang Bridge will not have to pay toll starting May 25.

SIBU: Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem received wide accolade from the people after announcing the much-awaited abolition of toll collection at Lanang Bridge at the close of the State Legislative Assembly sitting on Wednesday.

The 1.2km bridge, costing RM180mil, was built in 2003 by Woodville Development Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Shin Yang Group, and completed in 2006.

Since then the people from both sides had been complaining of having to pay toll, which was a big burden for them. The toll will be removed effective May 25.

The tolls currently at the bridge are 50 sen for motorcycles, RM3 for cars, taxi and multi-purpose vehicles; RM5 for vans, minibuses, pickup trucks, SUVs and light trucks of less than five tonnes; RM8 for buses; RM15 for lorries; and RM25 for trailers.

While people congratulated Adenan for the move, Sarawak Central Region Hotel Association vice chairman Lau Nai Meng also heaped praises at the opposition and the people at large for making the abolishment of toll a possibility.

Lau said the Chief Minister’s attitude showed that he fully understood the situation on the ground.

“The bridge, which is an important link to other places such as Sarikei, Bintangor including Kuching, though convenient for travellers is however putting a big burden especially to regular users. With the pressing increase in the standard of living, the abolishment of the toll collection is timely,” he said.

Lau then went on to say that the DAP in organising a signature campaign early this year to get the toll collection abolished, was done in good faith.

As for those who had supported the signature campaign, he said the people were doing their part in telling the government in peaceful way to appeal for a toll-free Lanang Bridge.