Kuala lumpur: Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi stated that any decision regarding the duration for which the government can continue to absorb or delay highway toll hikes must be made by the Cabinet. He highlighted that the issue involves broader financial and policy implications for the government, with the current suspension aimed at maintaining existing rates to alleviate the public’s burden.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nanta emphasized that the government’s primary intention in withholding toll restructuring and upward reviews is to prevent an increase in current toll rates, which are due for an upward review based on existing agreements. He addressed the media during a press conference following the launch of the Construction Action Plan 2026-2030 (CAP30) at the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) Malaysia, where CIDB Malaysia chairman Datuk Ir Yusuf Abd Wahab was also present.

Nanta further elaborated that the financial impact of deferring toll hikes is entirely borne by the government as compensation to concession companies. He noted that the government is asking these companies to hold off on toll rate increases due to the ongoing burden of rising living costs on the public. He urged the public to understand that when toll hikes are postponed, it is the government that incurs the cost.

On the topic of CAP30, Nanta described it as a strategic five-year roadmap aimed at accelerating the transformation of the national construction industry through digitalisation, sustainability, and international competitiveness. He mentioned that the comprehensive implementation of CAP30 also aligns with the Ministry of Works’ National Construction Policy 2021-2030 (NCP 2030), which is currently being executed.

Nanta explained that CAP30 is structured as a five-year action plan from 2026 to 2030, designed to strengthen the construction sector with the collaboration of industry players and strategic partners, supported by governance and coordination through CIDB.