13-10-2023 (KUALA LUMPUR) Recent rumors have been circulating that two toll booths will be erected at Genting Highlands, Malaysia, creating a stir as visitors to the popular hill station may have to pay toll charges for the first time. These proposed toll booths are said to be located on the road from Bentong to Genting Highlands and from Genting Sempah to Genting Highlands, effectively encircling the hill station and requiring visitors to pay a toll to access it.
According to a report in Sin Chew Daily, a business owner in Genting Highlands, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that he attended a meeting organized by a consulting firm last month. The purpose of the meeting was to update the local community on the latest developments and gather feedback. During the meeting, the issue of introducing toll charges for access to Genting Highlands was raised.
The business owner expressed his surprise at the prospect, stating that Genting Highlands has been open to the public for decades as a popular tourist destination, and the sudden introduction of toll charges was hard to believe.
The consulting firm explained that the roads leading to Genting Highlands are on privately-owned land, and the toll charges would be used for maintenance purposes, such as repairing roads and addressing landslides. However, this is still a preliminary concept, and further discussions are needed to determine its feasibility.
If the new measure is implemented, it is expected to commence in June next year. The proposed toll charges would range from RM2.50 to RM3.50 for vehicles ascending to Genting Highlands, while there would be no charges for descending the hill.
Local businesses have voiced concerns about the potential impact of road tolls on tourism. It was noted that the Bentong Municipal Council had already implemented parking charges in the Genting Sempah area in recent months, charging 50 cents per hour. Introducing road tolls in addition to parking charges could deter tourists from visiting Genting Highlands.
