It’s only Wednesday, but it seems like most Malaysians are probably already planning a funeral for their wallets and fearing for their future. Just when you thought the week couldn’t get any worse, Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof announced yesterday that toll concessionaires have the right to increase toll rates at four major highways starting next year. Just bear in mind that 2017 is merely two months away.

The toll concessionaires’ decision to introduce a new rate is based on an agreement made with the government. If there is no increase in the toll rates, the government is expected to pay the concessionaires RM59.77 million in compensation.

Fadillah’s statement was to answer a query by Lim Guan Eng during the Dewan Rakyat yesterday. Guan Eng requested to know what was the outcome of the discussion between the government and toll concessionaires pertaining to 2017’s toll rates.

The four highways that will be involved in the new price hike are Johor Baru Eastern Dispersal Link Expressway (EDL), the Kajang-Seremban Highway (LEKAS), the Senai–Desaru Expressway (SDE), and the Guthrie Corridor Expressway (GCE).

News of the possible increased toll rate comes after the recent announcement of the price increase in petrol, airport tax, and cooking oil.