NEW TOLL RATES TO REFLECT CONSUMER SATISFACTION, HIGH LEVEL OF HIGHWAY QUALITY - PM

PETALING JAYA (Malaysia), Jan 9 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian government is at the
final stage of restructuring the highway toll rates which will reflect consumer
interests and satisfaction as well as a high level of highway quality, Prime
Minister Najib Tun Razak said Friday.

"We are now in the final stage, and I will make an announcement (on the new
toll rates)," he said when opening Persada Plus, the main headquarters of Plus
Expressway Berhad, the country's largest toll highway operator.

Najib said the new toll rates would be "reasonable".

He suggested that Plus continue to make available quality and comfortable
highway facilities for consumers, including upgrading the existing lanes.

"Additional lanes should be added to congested stretches immediately. As the
cost, this can be negotiated with the government because we practise the
principle of cost-sharing. The people will not mind if there is a slight
increase in toll rates, provided traffic flow is smooth without any congestion,"
he said.

The prime minister said highway development was an important catalyst for
the growth of a locality and new industrial sites which could help the national
economy.

"I believe our highway system can spur a high level of economic growth
because the movement of people, goods and services depends on a sophisticated
and quality highway network," he said.

Persada Plus, which occupies a 9.5-hectare site, houses a nine-storey
corporate tower which has a Plus traffic control centre. It began operations at
the end of 2008.

-- BERNAMA