NO PLANS to buy back toll highways, RM400bil cost beyond govt's means - deputy minister

Deputy Works Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin said the government has no plans to takeover toll highways in the country as it will involve a staggering RM400 billion.

The large amount could be used for programmes beneficial to the people, she said when winding up debate on the 2013 Supplementary Supply Bill (committee stage) in Dewan Rakyat here today.

Gobind Singh Deo (DAP-Puchong ) had asked whether the government plans to take over highways to reduce toll charges and prevent concession companies from raking huge profit due to the increased traffic volume.

Rosnah said the government is encouraging concession companies to use toll revenue to upgrade facilities along the highways for the comfort and safety of users.

"We also encourage them to implement CSR (corporate social responsibility) such as giving toll discount during festivals and also pay dividends," she added.

Replying to a question from Dr Mohd Khairuddin Aman Razali (PAS-Kuala Nerus), she said the ministry is constantly monitoring all concession companies to check profiteering.

Rosnah said for new highways, the government is considering to include "internal rate of returns" as a condition in the concession agreement.

"This is the government's exit policy to ensure that the concession companies are responsible and involve in the restructuring of highways.

"It is done via revenue sharing and included in the terms of the concession agreement," she added. - Bernama