KUALA LUMPUR: There are no plans to introduce new charges on private cars entering city areas as it will burden the people, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said it is not suitable to introduce such charges for now because the country’s public transportation system is still being developed.
“Some countries charge an extra fee for private vehicles entering the city. We don’t suggest that because for now, we feel it is burdening the people.
“Once public transportation in the entire country is good, then it may be considered,” he said when launching the Gombak Integrated Terminal (TBG) yesterday.
On the project, Anwar is pleased that after years of delay, TBG has finally been completed.
“We have suffered losses for many years and that is why government machinery must take steps to expedite the utilisation of public facilities,” he said.
While acknowledging criticisms on the cost of public transport, he said it is normal for new facilities to require high maintenance expenses.
“(Transport Minister Anthony) Loke has also raised in Cabinet meetings on how we can lower the prices to attract more people (to use public facilities),” Anwar added.
The TBG, which can accommodate 1,500 bus trips and 52,000 users daily, operates 24 hours as a transit hub for travel across Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Haadyai in Thailand.
It also integrates intercity buses, the Gombak LRT station and the upcoming East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) Gombak station.
