KUALA LUMPUR: The 20% discount on toll rates for the Penang Bridge will not be extended to the Second Penang Bridge due to its significantly higher construction cost and underperformance in revenue generation.
Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan told the Dewan Negara on Wednesday (Dec 4) that construction costs for both bridges were vastly different, with the Penang Bridge costing RM850mil, while the Second Penang Bridge had a much higher development cost of RM4.8bil.
"In terms of revenue, the Penang Bridge generated RM29.3mil in 2023, while the second Penang Bridge was expected to generate RM137.2mil. However, it only achieved RM53.8mil, 42% of its projected revenue.
"This shortfall is one of the key reasons we cannot offer the 20% discount," he said in response to a question from Senator Lingeshwaran Datuk Seri R. Arunasalam, who asked whether the discount could be extended to Second Penang Bridge users.
However, Ahmad added that the state government was welcome to submit a request to the Finance Ministry, which oversees revenue management for the bridge, for further consideration. – Bernama
