KUCHING: About 10,000 people are expected to witness a grand and historic ceremony to mark the end of bridge toll in the state at midnight on Dec 31 at Tun Salahuddin Bridge here.

Some of the nation’s popular recording artistes, such as Datuk Jamal Abdillah, Amir Ukays and Dayang Nurfaizah, are scheduled to join Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem and his wife, Datin Patinggi Datuk Jamilah Anu, to add grandeur to the occasion.

Acting State Secretary Datu Misnu Taha said the event, organised by the state government to coincide with the New Year countdown, would witness the last collection of toll in the state.

“Previously, New Year countdowns were done on a small scale. This is the first time we do it in a grand way because this occasion is going to be very meaningful,” he told a press conference at Zecon Bhd’s office near Tun Salahuddin Bridge toll plaza yesterday.

“It is not just a countdown to the New Year but also to commemorate the last collection of toll that makes Sarawak the first state in Malaysia to be toll-free.”

Misnu said at 12.01am on Jan 1, toll in the state would be history.

“This is a remarkable achievement by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Adenan Satem, along with other achievements he had done since he took office (on Feb 28 last year).”

Adenan would be the guest-of-honour at the gathering, where state and federal ministers would be present, too.

About 10,000 people are expected to converge at the bridge, and the organising secretariat has lined up a number of events to keep them entertained, including performances by Jamal, Amir and Dayang.

“The last collection of toll will be the gimmick for the ceremony. The countdown at midnight will be followed by a fireworks display.”

He added that the roads from Gersik roundabout and from City Bridge Commercial Centre traffic light leading to the bridge would be closed from 6pm on Dec 31 until the next morning.

He assured there would be ample parking at the nearby Darul Hana Mosque area, and shuttle service for the public to join in the fun starts from 9pm. Adenan and Jamilah are expected to arrive at 11pm. After his speech, there will be a presentation of certificate to Zecon Toll Sdn Bhd, followed by the New Year countdown, fireworks, and gimmicks. Misnu said there would be rehearsals at the bridge on Dec 29 and 30.

To another question, Misnu said it would be up to toll concessionaire Zecon Bhd on what to do with those staff affected by the toll abolishment, particularly those manning the toll booths.

“Zecon may have their own programme on where to deploy the affected personnel.”

Adenan announced the abolishment of toll for Tun Salahuddin Bridge during his winding-up speech at the State Legislative Assembly sitting last Dec 16.

Abolishing toll on that bridge meant the state would be toll free, as Adenan had earlier successfully negotiated for Lanang Bridge in Sibu and Asean Bridge in Baram to be toll free.

Toll at Lanang Bridge and Asean Bridge was scrapped in May and June respectively this year.

Adenan said the state did not pay Zecon Bhd compensation for scrapping the toll. The state government agreed only to meet Zecon’s request to purchase its office building and toll plaza infrastructure.

The six-lane, dual-deck Tun Salahuddin Bridge that spans Sungai Sarawak was completed in 2003, and the concessionaire started collecting toll in October that year.

The operation is managed by Zecon Toll Concessionaire Sdn Bhd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Zecon Bhd. It is estimated that more than 20,000 vehicles passed the bridge every day.

The toll rates are RM1.60 for cars or taxis, RM2.20 per van/0pick-up vehicle, and RM3.30 per bus/ lorry. Motorcyclists are charged 50 sen per entry.