Kapitan Wong Chiu Uo
SIBU: Farmers in areas across Lanang Bridge are relieved that toll has been abolished since May 25.
The areas include Telok Assan, Teluk Selalo, Kerto, Pulau Keladi and Kampung Banyok.
Kapitan Wong Chiu Uo, 53, from Kerto said they stand to benefit especially those marketing their produce in town.
They used to drive over the bridge by van and made at least two trips daily, each time paying RM5 in toll which came to about RMRM4,000 per year.
A farmer could run up to RM36,000 in toll for the past nine years.
“Big amounts like that could have been used for other purposes like buy better tools or farming equipment,” he said.
He said the recent announcement of the end of toll collection was welcomed by those involved in farming as it would lighten their burden.
“In Kerto, there are more than 40 families engaged in farming, with some making just enough to make ends meet. Apart from the bridge toll, they are affected by the rising cost of fertilisers, tools and other equipment yet prices of their crops are little changed,” he said.
He recalled that at times their farms were affected by the rain and floods.
Certain families in his area spent up to RM800 on paying toll monthly.
Wong himself, a businessman and owner of an orchard in his area, forked out RM600 in toll for his daily trips over the bridge.
Sometimes to cut cost, he would use a motorcycle while reserving his land cruiser for trips to town during heavy rain or when transporting family members.
He said some of his family members used to stay in town where they work. But with the abolishment of the toll, they intend to move back to Kerto as it only takes 15 to 20 minutes to reach the town.
Wong was also contemplating to move his office from the town to his home in Kerto.
He said the abolishment of the toll was having a spin-off effect like the rising price of lands by the roadside and development of a ‘satellite’ township in the Paradom area.
To accelerate development, government offices or agencies need to be set up for the people’s convenience, Wong said.