KUCHING, Dec 30 – Sarawakians especially Kuching residents welcome the abolition of toll collection at the Tun Abang Muhammad Salahuddin Bridge in Petra Jaya effective Jan 1, 2016. In conjunction with the toll abolition, the state government will hold a 2016 New Year celebration at the bridge which is expected to be attended by more than 10,000 people on Dec 31.
Sarawak Deputy State Secretary, Datu Misnu Taha said the celebration starting at 9 pm would feature performances by popular local artistes such as Dayang Nurfaizah and Datuk Jamal Abdillah as well as a fireworks display. The event signified the abolition of the last bridge toll collection in Sarawak after the toll at Lanang Bridge in Sibu and the Baram ASEAN Bridge in Miri were terminated.
Sarawakians described the move of the Sarawak state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Tan Sri Adenan Satem as the best news to help lighten the burden of the people. Kota Samarahan walikota Datuk Peter Minos said the people were relieved with the decision of Adenan to cancel toll collection at all bridges in the state as they had been shouldering the rising cost of goods and services this year.
“Meanwhile, the abolition of bridge tolls throughout the state was the best present to all the people in Sarawak. It is very meaningful to the low-income group and it showed Adenan and the Sarawak state government cared for the people,” Minos told this to the reporters here on Tuesday.
“Sarawakians were pleased with several decisions of the state government which included bridge toll abolition, electricity rate reduction as well as the reduction of ferry fare to RM1 for each ride. Whatever that could help ease the financial burden of the people would be much welcomed and appreciated by the people and Adenan should be commended for such wise measures for the people,” Minos added.
