Tiong: Genting's proposed toll needed to cover high maintenance costs - November 20, 2025

GENTING HIGHLANDS: Genting Group's proposed toll is a necessary decision for road upkeep, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing. Speaking at the signing ceremony for the Visit Malaysia 2026 Memorandum of Understanding at Resorts World Awana, he clarified that the proposed vehicle toll on the road leading up to Genting Highlands is solely the decision of Genting Group, adding that the road is privately owned and maintained. "As far as we know, Genting has been solely responsible for maintaining the hillside route, which incurs high costs due to erosion risks and frequent repairs. "For them to sustain themselves in meeting the maintenance costs, I think they have no choice but to do this," Tiong said. He added that while the Pahang state government is not directly involved in the toll proposal, Genting must ensure fair rates and operate transparently, rather than functioning like a public entity such as Plus Malaysia Bhd (PLUS). "If there are people coming up and frequenting places such as the casino, I think the toll should not be a burden to them," he said. Tiong also said a "user pays" model was reasonable for long-term sustainability, but stressed that Genting employees, motorcyclists and business partners should be exempted from paying the toll. Genting recently announced that it will soon introduce a private road charge to cope with the steep and escalating costs of maintaining its private road and slopes.