JOHOR BAHRU - Public outcry over the proposed toll rates for the Eastern Dispersal Link (EDL) seems to be gaining momentum, especially since it is expected to open to motorists anytime soon.

The unfair toll fee issue has been raised by Johor Baru MP Datuk Shahrir Samad and Stulang assemblyman Mok Chek Hou.

Mok raised the issue twice at the Johor state assembly, pointing out that the project would help ease traffic congestion along Jalan Tebrau and Jalan Tun Razak but the toll levied on all road users might hurt the Government’s image.

There is even a Facebook page on the matter to gain support against the high toll rates proposed, for the project.

Now, Johor PKR chief Datuk Chua Jui Meng joins the bandwagon saying PKR would stage a demonstration if the Government insists on implementing the high toll fees for the EDL scheduled to open this month.

Chua said although the Government has not officially announced the rates, many blogs and online media have speculated that it would five times higher than what motorists are currently paying.

Presently, motorists travelling into Singapore via the Johor Causeway only are only required to pay RM2.90 to Plus Bhd, for a return journey, which works out to RM1.45 per way.

Under the new toll scheme proposed, motorists have to pay RM6.20 for the EDL and RM1.45 to Plus Berhad.

This means, the total toll charge is RM7.65 one way which works out to RM15.30 to enter Singapore and return to Malaysia, irrespective of whether the motorist has used the EDL.

“We have also have written to Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB), which is constructing the link demanding an explanation as to why the toll booth was built within the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex and not at the end of the link,” he said during a press conference at the Chinese Press Club recently.

Chua saidif the toll booths were placed with in the CIQ, all motorists and not only those using the highway, would be subjected to toll charges.

“This is unfair as motorists will pay extremely high toll fees for a two way trip to Singapore and back.

“We also want the Government to announce the rates for the highway as soon as possible as it affects thousands of Johoreans who travel daily to Singapore for work,” he said.

He added if the toll was implemented, the party would also hold a street demonstration as the price was too steep.

He said the elevated three-lane link was only 8.1km in length and it was absurd to charge such an expensive toll rate for users.

The EDL is aimed at reducing congestion and shortening the travelling time for motorists within the city area.

The link which ends before the CIQ, has several exits including to Stulang Darat, Bakar Batu, Desa Pandan and Permas Jaya which are not tolled.

MRCB however announced that they would be setting up toll booths within the CIQ building itself.

The link is not the only road that leads to the CIQ, and thousands of motorists pass through the complex daily to enter Singapore.

In earlier reports, MRCB also declined to reveal the toll charges for the link stating that they were waiting for the Parliament to decide on the matter.

The Star had earlier reported that cracks had appeared in certain parts of the tunnel along the EDL leading to the CIQ.

As a result of the cracks, water was also seeping into the tunnel, which is part of the RM1.27bil EDL project.

Engineers have been working to rectify the problem and tests were being carried out to determine whether the structure of the tunnel was intact and safe.

Contractors were also putting up more lighting inside the tunnel to ensure that it was adequately lit before it is opened to the public at the end of the month.

However, it is not clear whether the works have anything to do with the delay in opening the EDL, which was scheduled on Jan 1.

-- Star Property