Lower toll rates possible if corruption removed from approval process, says Anwar

SEREMBAN: Approvals for the development of new highways should be done quickly and corruption kept out of the process so toll rates can be kept low, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

The Prime Minister said development costs must be properly managed and no corruption should be involved.

"I want the Works Ministry, the Malaysian Highway Authority and PLUS to ensure that approval for the next project is speeded up.

"This can be done if we take responsibility and realise that these projects are for the people," he said when officially opening the Seremban R&R (southbound) along the North South Expressway, the country's first sustainable rest area.

Also present were Works Minister Datuk Seri Alex Nanta Linggi, Malaysian Highway Authority chairman Datuk Seri Ir Hasni Mohammad and PLUS chairman Datuk Mohamad Nasir Ab Latif.

Anwar said the cost to build and manage highways often rises, which causes toll rates to go up in tandem.

"We cannot afford to have wastage or leakage. Giving bribes in return for approvals has to be stopped," he said.

Citing an example, Anwar commended Kuala Lumpur City Hall, which approved the Residensi Suria Madani housing project for the B40 and M40 groups in Taman Desain in just 45 days.

"If the developer had waited two years for approval, costs would have gone up to service bank loans (for example)

"So people waiting for houses for decades in a place like KL can get them," he said.

Citing another example, Anwar said the Perak government had also successfully processed the approval for the Kerian Integrated Green Industrial Park (KIGIP), one of the largest industrial projects in the country managed by bumiputra companies, within three days.

"This shows that it can be done if we know our priorities to develop the nation and help the people, including providing job opportunities,"he said.

On the Seremban R&R, Anwar commended the ministry, the MHA and PLUS for building a rest area which was not only sustainable but also provided business and employment opportunities, adding that the R&R was the most beautiful one he had ever seen.

"This R&R has solar power, rain water harvesting, natural ventilation, is people-friendly, has the most beautiful surau and other green technologies," he said.

In his speech earlier, Mohamad Nasir said the design of the R&R was in line with the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NTER) and Low Carbon Mobility Blueprint 2021-2023 initiatives.

"This new R&R design has also obtained the Green Building Index Gold Rating certification, is eight time bigger and can accommodate up to 500 visitors," he said adding that there are also waste composting machines, recycling bins made out of fabric as well as biodegradable packaging containers at the R&R.

He said an EV charging station will also be built in the future.

Since its re-opening, the number of visitors to the R&R has doubled from 25,000 to 50,000 a week.