MIRI: The scrapping of toll for Malaysian-registered vehicle using Asean Bridge starting June 1, 2015, will boost social visits, up domestic tourism, and bring travelling cost down.
It will encourage greater flow of people and goods between Miri and Sabah, too.
Lawas District Council cum PBB Bukit Sari deputy chairman, Awangku Jinal Abidin Pengiran Jawa, said the announcement of the abolishment of toll by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem on Saturday meant a lot to the people, especially Lawas folk who travelled by road to Miri.
“These people can now save RM20 per return trip to Miri, be it for visiting their relatives or to seek medical treatment in Miri,” he said.
Awangku Jinal thanked Adenan and Shin Yang Corporation – the builder of the bridge – by saying that the move would bring a myriad of benefits to the people.
UPP Pujut chairman, Councilor Steve Bruce, concurred by saying the removal of toll could not have come at a better time, what with the slowing economy.
He said villagers living across Baram River could now cross the bridge without having to pay while Limbang and Lawas residents could complete their journey toll free.
Adenan announced the good news during the 10th Miri City anniversary celebration. Barely two weeks ago, he announced that Lanang Bridge in Sibu would be toll free effective this coming May 24.
Currently, Malaysian-registered vehicles have to pay RM10 per crossing at Asean Bridge.
The bridge, built at a cost of RM178 million, was officially opened to motorists on Aug 30, 2003, replacing the ferry services at Kuala Baram.
It now serves as a vital link for those intending to drive from Miri to Brunei, Limbang and Kota Kinabalu. Meanwhile, Sarawak DAP secretary cum Piasau assemblyman, Alan Ling Sie Kiong, said the good news had long been awaited by Mirians.
He said he had raised this issue at the State Legislative Assembly many times.
He hoped other infrastructure in the state would not involve paying toll, arguing that the state had the means to do so.