Tiong said the area is experiencing increased development, much of which falls outside Genting’s control.

“As far as we know, it’s a private road. All the maintenance is done by the Genting Group. For sustainability, they have no choice but to do it,” he told reporters after witnessing an MoU signing between Resorts World Genting and Tourism Malaysia in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026.

Tiong was asked how the proposed fee on Jalan Genting Highlands might affect tourism in the area.

When announcing its plan, Genting said the charge was necessary because of the rising cost of maintaining the 24km private road, which the company has borne since the 1960s.

The move has drawn mixed reactions, with the works ministry urging the company to ensure exemptions for vehicles entering for leisure purposes, rather than imposing charges on all road users.

Tiong said heavy traffic along the route and soil erosion also contributed to higher upkeep costs.

“There are really too many people coming in to use the road, and too many heavy vehicles. So the cost will be there. I understand where they are coming from,” the minister said.

Tiong said that a user-pays model will be applied, but stressed that Genting must ensure the charges are fair and transparent, rather than functioning like a profit-driven entity.

“If there are people coming up and frequenting places such as the casino, I think the toll should not be a burden to them,” he said.