| Some people stay far from their workplaces. It is not their choice to stay in Puncak Alam, Shah Alam, or Kajang, and work in Putrajaya, for instance. It is because they have families,” he told reporters yesterday after launching the Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway (DUKE).
He said the special rate would apply from one specified point (home) to another (work) and back but not to other destinations or on weekends.
However, he said the Government’s financial ability needed to be considered.
“There are those who do not use toll roads, and are unhappy that the Government’s money is used to subsidise toll,” he said.
“We have to consider their opinions too, because they are taxpayers too.”
He also warned highway operators to maintain expressways so that they were in good condition.
Shaziman said he would monitor the operators, and announce the names of those who failed to keep up to their standards.
He said that although Malaysia’s highways were safe, there were minor issues, such as flooded roads, that could be resolved with proper maintenance.
“During the rainy season, drains get clogged and only one lane is passable to traffic from the usual three to four lanes. These are little matters, but they inconvenience the people,” he said.
Shaziman also reminded operators to continuously monitor hillslopes along highways to prevent untoward incidents. |
