The government's move to provide the highest compensation to profitable highways in the Klang Valley following its decision not to raise toll rates across the country for 2014 has been challenged by DAP's Seremban MP Anthony Loke.

A written answer given to Loke by the Works Ministry in Parliament today states that the government has dished out RM400 million in compensation to 14 highway concessionaires.

The Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) and the Sprint Highway are the biggest beneficiaries, to be paid RM89 million and RM72 million respectively as compensation for not raising their tolls for 2014.

"But the irony is, these highways are among the busiest highways and among the most profitable," Loke pointed out, saying that LDP registered a post-tax profit of RM96 million for 2013 alone.

Concession agreements lopsided

Loke acknowledged that the compensation rate was determined by the concession agreements, but insisted that this illustrated the lopsided nature of the agreements.

“The profitable concessionaires have already recouped their investments and are making profits as the car volume in their highways has been increasing every year,” he said.

He urged the government to review the agreements, or it would be dishing out larger compensation figures in the following years if toll hikes are avoided.

“The compensation rate will only go higher after this,” Loke said.

The BN government pledged in its election manifesto it will reduce the toll rates should it win the 13th general election, but this promise was not kept as a toll rise was proposed for 2014.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin later announced that the government has scrapped plans to raise tolls following the increasing cost of living faced by the people.