The government is looking at the feasibility of introducing a toll at the new Temburong mega bridge.

Minister of Communications YB Abdul Mutalib Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Hj Mohammad Yusof said the ministry is working closely with several government agencies to conduct a study on the viability of introducing a toll on the new bridge upon its completion.

“It will take some time [before we can confirm this] as it will require a holistic approach and a thorough study covering infrastructural, social and economic aspects,” said YB Abdul Mutalib during a Legislative Council (LegCo) meeting on Saturday.

The minister was responding to an enquiry from LegCo member YB Hj Emran Hj Sabtu, who is a grassroots leader from the Temburong district. Considering the high cost of the $1.6 billion bridge, he asked whether a toll would be implemented to help cover operations and maintenance.

The Mukim Bokok Penghulu also suggested that — should a toll fee be introduced at this new bridge — residents from Temburong be exempted from paying the fee, as practiced at the Rasau bridge in Belait for Kg Sungai Teraban residents.

Slated for November 2019 completion, the Temburong bridge project spans 30 kilometres linking Jalan Utama Mentiri in the Brunei-Muara district and Jalan Labu Estate in Temburong, spanning the width of the Brunei Bay.

The mammoth project is aimed at reducing travel time between the two districts, allowing commuters to bypass Limbang and the four immigration checkpoints along the current route.