Study on toll concession takeover due within three months

A study on the government proposal to take over more toll concession companies is expected to be completed in two to three months.

Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng said the study would be carried out in detail as the process to take over other toll companies is more complex compared to the four concessions under Gamuda Bhd (Gamuda).

"In principle, the takeover of concessions under Gamuda is easier to understand. In terms of financial architecture, we have to look at more details for other tolls nationwide,” he told a media conference after launching 2019 Revenue Day here today.

The study is being conducted with the cooperation of the Works Ministry, Lim added.

Explaining further, Lim said the takeover of four concessions is not as complicated as they are owned by only one company with all of them located intra-city.

"In this aspect, it is clear in terms of structure. Furthermore it is something proposed by them (the company) and there are no elements of coercion as negotiations between the government and the company were conducted in a cordial and professional manner,” he said.

At the same time, Lim asked all parties including the media not to speculate on the proposed takeover from Gamuda as the process was still going on.

“I do not want to discuss the issue as it involves the share price and other rates, let us resolve it in six months and reduce the side effects,” he said.

The government had earlier announced commencing negotiations with Gamuda to take over four highway concessions in which the company held majority share.

The highways involved are Damansara Puchong Expressway (LDP), West KL Traffic Dispersal System (Sprint), Shah Alam Expressway (Kesas) and Smart Tunnel. 

- Bernama