Punishment for toll dodgers: Fines can deter offenders, jail may be too harsh

news@nst.com.my

KUALA LUMPUR: WHILE criminalising toll evasion could be one way to deter offenders, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the government must strike a balance between effective punishment and fairness.

Nanta said although fines could serve as a deterrent, some motorists had become accustomed to paying penalties without changing their behaviour.

He said the government is working to resolve enforcement concerns ahead of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) toll collection rollout.

“Fines are one thing, but sometimes people get used to paying fines and think it is no big deal.

“But if we go as far as imposing jail sentences, that may be too much as well.

“So there must be a balance in terms of punishment for those who wrongly use our roads,” he told the New Straits Times.

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He was responding to questions on whether the government was considering criminalising toll evasion, following reports of repeat offenders running through toll plazas, including cases involving motorists committing dozens of offences.

Nanta said toll evasion was not a new issue and was among the key concerns being addressed as part of discussions on MLFF implementation.

“Many countries have implemented the MLFF concept, so this is not something that cannot be resolved.

“But the issue is how much leakage can be tolerated, where people pass through without paying and are not identified.”

He said this was among the reasons negotiations with concessionaires had taken longer, as stakeholders wanted assurance that revenue losses from payment evasion would remain negligible.

“It is tedious and complicated because all players want to be sure they do not suffer losses.

“Even if the losses are small, it is still money.”

Nanta said discussions were also ongoing over enforcement jurisdiction, including which authority would be responsible for acting against offenders and what measures would be taken against those caught evading payment.

He added that safeguards must also be in place to protect motorists from being wrongly flagged as toll evaders.

© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd

المصدر: New Straits Times