
Toll hike delay eases burden for B40, says Nanta
He called for understanding from concession companies, acknowledging the impact on their cash flow while stressing the need for shared responsibility.
Nanta said, 'From a business perspective, they may not favour this delay as cash flow projections were part of their initial plans. However, we hope they recognise the government's intent to support vulnerable road users.'
He spoke after the handover of the Letter of Acceptance for the Blackspot and Federal Road Maintenance Programme.
The minister expressed gratitude to concessionaires for cooperating with the decision, which affects 10 highways, including the Senai-Desaru Expressway and East Coast Expressway 2. He noted that while agreements must be honoured, the current economic climate requires flexibility.
On road safety, Nanta highlighted the success of the blackspot programme, reducing accidents by 25 to 60 per cent. This year, RM37 million has been allocated for repairs, with RM27.1 million already spent on 76 projects across 11 states. Streetlight installations will target only high-risk zones, not entire routes. - Bernama
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles

Barnama
9 minutes ago
- Barnama
Borneo Flora Festival 2025 Spurs Socioeconomic Reform, Regional Cooperation In Labuan
LABUAN, July 26 (Bernama) -- The inaugural Borneo Flora Festival (BFF) 2025 is more than just a vibrant showcase of tropical blooms and landscape artistry. It is part of a broader strategy under the MADANI Government's reform agenda to realign Labuan's development priorities and steer the island towards a more inclusive and sustainable economic future. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories) Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, in her speech at the official launch of the BFF 2025 here today, said that the festival was designed not merely to add to Labuan's event calendar, but to serve as a catalyst for diversification and socioeconomic revitalisation. 'Labuan recorded a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita of RM87,000 in 2024, the second highest in as I've often reiterated, this economic figure does not reflect the lived experiences of the people. 'The island's economic reliance on the oil and gas sector has waned compared to 10 to 15 years ago,' she said. Dr Zaliha said as part of the government's reformist approach, Labuan's development focus has been recalibrated and the outcome is already evident; Labuan's GDP per capita grew by 5.4 per cent in 2024, outpacing the national average. The island also recorded over one million visitors last year, a 15.7 per cent increase from the previous year, signalling the growing potential of its tourism industry. 'To capitalise on this momentum, we have, over the past year, intensified our focus on developing the tourism sector, which is more sustainable and closer to the people. The BFF is one of the key drivers of this strategic shift,' she said. The minister said the festival's impact is expected to go beyond tourism, generating local socioeconomic opportunities, particularly for the hotel, food, and small business sectors.

Barnama
22 minutes ago
- Barnama
Youth Involvement In Agro Sector Signals Success Of Sejati MADANI Initiative
ALOR GAJAH, July 26 (Bernama) -- The growing involvement of youth in agriculture and livestock sectors under the 'Sejahtera Komuniti MADANI' (SejaTi MADANI) initiative indicates that the programme is progressing well, says Deputy Defence Minister Adly Zahari. The Alor Gajah MP said efforts to attract this group must be continued, including convincing them that the food security sector was among the most stable. 'This is because as long as there are people, food will always be needed. We only need to enhance their knowledge and interest, including financial management, use of technology, as well as opening up more avenues for assistance and funding,' he said. He was speaking to reporters after launching the Freshwater Fish Farming (Catfish) Project by Koperasi Usahawan Alor Gajah Melaka Berhad at Jalan Kampung Rembia Tengah here today, which was also attended by Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia (Angkasa) president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah. Commenting further on the SejaTi MADANI programme spearheaded by Angkasa in collaboration with various government agencies, he said the initiative had shown increasing positive impact on participating communities, with some already entering their second phase. 'With a maximum funding of RM100,000, we can see that projects under this initiative have produced positive outcomes, including the emergence of various youth agro-projects such as catfish farming, village chicken rearing, agricultural drone rental services, and even sustainable cooking oil filtration innovations. 'Some of these projects have already progressed to the second phase without requiring additional funds, which indicates the success and resilience of this community economic model,' he said. At the same time, he reminded freshwater fish farmers, especially those breeding catfish, not to discharge untreated pond waste water directly into rivers or main drainage systems. He said a proactive approach using modern technology must be adopted by operators as more entrepreneurs, including local cooperatives, venture into agro-farming projects, particularly catfish farming.

Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
Deputy Agriculture And Food Security Minister Heads List Of Pahang Award Recipients
GENERAL KUANTAN, July 26 (Bernama) -- Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup heads the list of 58 recipients of state awards, honours and medals in conjunction with the 66th birthday of the Sultan of Pahang, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah. The awards were presented by the Sultan at an investiture ceremony held at Balai Mahkota, Istana Abdulaziz, here today. Also in attendance were the Tengku Ampuan of Pahang, Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, and the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah. Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and members of the state leadership were also present. Arthur was among the recipients of the Sri Sultan Ahmad Shah Pahang (SSAP) award, which carries the title Datuk Seri, along with Pahang state secretary Datuk Nazri Abu Bakar, Bank Negara governor Datuk Seri Shaik Abdul Rasheed Abdul Ghaffour, and Army chief General Tan Sri Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan. Also conferred the SSAP were Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) board member Datuk Seri Ahmad Fadil Shamsuddin; MATRADE chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Mohd Mustafa Abdul Aziz; director of the National Budget Office, Ministry of Finance, Datuk Ab Rahim Ab Rahman; and deputy secretary-general (Finance) of the Ministry of Health (MOH) Datuk Zahrul Hakim Abdullah @ Ab Allah. Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) director-general Datuk Nor Hisham Mohammad; Bukit Aman Management Department director Datuk Abdul Aziz Abdul Majid; Malayan Banking Berhad group president and CEO Datuk Khairussaleh Ramli, and head of the Cardiology Department at the National Heart Institute (IJN) Datuk Dr Azmee Mohd Ghazi were also among the SSAP award recipients. Other SSAP recipients were And Co. chairman Datuk Dr. H.C Harald Link; Prima Merdu Sdn Bhd chairman and executive director Datuk Amer Hamzah Ahmad; Tong Chun Development Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Ken Ng Chee Kean; and Magma Group Berhad Group managing director Datuk Liang Chee Fong. The Darjah Sri Indera Mahkota Pahang (SIMP), which carries the title Datuk Indera, was conferred on three individuals, namely Pahang Finance officer Datuk Fadzilla Salleh, former chairman of the Royal Malaysian Police Family Association (PERKEP) Puan Sri Zainah Othman, and director-general of the Department of National Unity and Integration Datuk Che Roslan Che Daud.