KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 17): The federal government has no authority over the vehicle charges imposed on Jalan Genting Highlands, as the matter falls entirely under the purview of the Pahang state government, Deputy Works Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan said.

He clarified that the road is not a federal road but sits on private land, and therefore the Works Ministry has no regulatory power over it.

“Since this is a private road, the federal government is not involved. The relevant parties are the local council and the state government in terms of how the charges are implemented,” Ahmad Maslan told the Dewan Rakyat on Monday when winding up the Budget 2026 debate.

Last week, Genting Malaysia Bhd (KL:GENM) confirmed that there will be charges for vehicles entering Jalan Genting Highlands, although it has yet to announce the fee structure and start date.

The company said the private road charges are necessary due to the steep and escalating costs of maintaining the 24km road and its slopes — costs it has solely borne since the 1960s.

The announcement has sparked public concern, particularly among residents and workers in the area who fear higher commuting costs.

Addressing the issue, Ahmad Maslan agreed that workers should not be charged, given their daily reliance on the route. He added that landowners and businesses along the road — including hotels not owned by Genting — may also be affected, and discussions between stakeholders and the company are needed.

“From my personal view, for those going up the hill for leisure, it is reasonable for them to be charged,” he said.

Ahmad Maslan also stressed that the term “toll” should not be used when referring to the charges, as it could cause confusion with the 33 federally regulated highway concessionaires.

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