4 days ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Smart unlimited monthly travel pass for RM68 for Merdeka
KUALA LUMPUR: Highway concessionaire Amanat Lebuhraya Rakyat Bhd (ALR) has launched the Smart Unlimited Travel Pass or Merdeka Unlimited Travel Pass (MUTP) for one month in conjunction with National Day and Malaysia Day.
The travel pass, valid from Aug 16 to Sept 16 can be purchased for a one-off payment of RM68 for users of the Stormwater Management and Road Tunnel (Smart).
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, said the launch of the MUTP proves that public facilities can be offered in an inclusive and people-centred spirit, in line with the Malaysia Madani principles that prioritise inclusivity and the well-being of the people.
"ALR's initiative allows frequent Smart users who commute to work daily to enjoy savings of up to RM64 a month, compared with the average monthly toll payment which can reach RM132.
"The launch of this travel pass is very meaningful in the spirit of celebrating our 68th National Day and Malaysia Day.
"This one-month offer also clearly sends the message that public facilities can and should be provided with an inclusive and people-centred spirit, consistent with the Malaysia Madani principles that prioritise inclusivity and the well-being of the people.
"In addition, the Works Ministry through the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA), always supports the government's aspiration to provide the best facilities to the people, especially highway users. Thus, the MUTP is an excellent example of such an initiative," he said.
Nanta said this after officiating the MUTP Launch Ceremony in conjunction with the 68th Independence Day at the Smart Management and Tunnel Operations Complex here today.
Also present were MHA director-general Datuk Sazali Harun; and ALR Group chief executive officer, Muhammad Nizam Alias.
Nanta said that, on average, commuters using the Smart Tunnel to travel to work daily make around 44 trips a month (one-way fare RM3).
"In addition (to the savings through MUTP), it provides fast access to the city centre via the Smart Highway, which accommodates an average of 19,000 vehicles per day, while supporting the operation of the world's only dual-function tunnel combining traffic passage and floodwater management.
"This initiative demonstrates how industry players, especially in the infrastructure sector, can take proactive steps to help the people manage the cost of daily living, particularly in urban areas," he said.
Nanta added that the MUTP not only strengthens public trust in the highway industry, but is also in line with the Malaysia Madani principle that emphasises a balance between economic growth and social justice, while fostering values of respect and compassion in service delivery.
"The Smart Tunnel service provided today is one of the country's best engineering facilities, proven to have a significant impact in flood management as well as improving urban mobility.
"The Smart Tunnel is not merely an infrastructure project, but also a symbol of local innovation recognised internationally, among others by the UN Habitat Scroll of Honour Award, the British Construction Industry Award, the Asean Outstanding Engineering Achievement Award, and listed by CNN as one of the 'Most Impressive Tunnels in the World'.
