KenaSaman.com

PETALING JAYA: Highway operators are helping to protect motorists' pockets by setting standardised ceiling prices for all food and beverage items at rest-stops and lay-bys.

At lay-bys along the East Coast Expressway, MTD Prime Shd Bhd has capped prices for cut fruits such as mango, guava and honeydew at RM2 per packet while a piece of fried ikan kembong at the Temerloh rest area should not cost more than RM3.50.

“All highway concessionaires have to adhere to the prices set by the Malaysian Highway Authority (MHA).

“We feel this is the best way to ensure highway users are not overcharged when they stop at our rest-areas,” said an MTD spokesman, adding that the prices would be reviewed from time to time.

Plus Expressways corporate communications general manager Khalilah Mohd Talha said food prices were monitored using a computerised system.

“Every food stall at our rest area is equipped with it.

“We also conduct regular spot checks at our rest areas,” she said, adding that price lists were displayed at all stalls.

Temerloh Rest-Area Traders Association head Abdul Talib Yadin said MTD would regularly meet with stall owners to discuss food prices.

“MTD will take into consideration both the stall owners and customers' needs,” he said.

Tin Chang Kwang, 52, who has been operating a fruit stall at the Lanchang west-bound lay-by for the past eight years, said the prices set by MTD were reasonable.

“Occasionally, there are customers who complain but most of them are satisfied,” he said.

Businessman Sulaiman Ngah Dimin, who travels from KL to Temerloh on the East Coast Expressway twice a week, said he was glad there was a price cap.

“Now, traders cannot charge as they like,” he added.

A MHA spokesman said those travelling on highways had no choice but to stop at the rest areas.

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