Genting Highlands vehicle fee seen as manageable, minimal impact on property, tourism

 By Sharen Kaur

Published in NST, March 24, 2026 

KUALA LUMPUR: A proposed one-time vehicle entry fee for Genting Highlands, set to take effect this year, is unlikely to dampen the property or tourism markets, industry experts say.

They said that the overall impact will largely depend on pricing and fair, transparent implementation.

Savills Malaysia deputy managing director Datuk Khong Weng Tuck said the key concern for most Malaysians is the cost of a round trip to the popular hilltop destination, which has traditionally been toll-free.

"We hope that the rate will be below RM10 per trip so that all Malaysians can enjoy the Genting Hills, from an earlier, toll-free position," he told Business Times. Khong noted that higher tolls could discourage casual visitors and day-trippers, who make up a significant portion of traffic, but said more committed segments, such as regular casino-goers and organised tour groups, are likely to continue visiting despite the additional cost."

Khong added that even at RM10–RM20 per trip, the fee is unlikely to materially affect tourism flows or property values in the medium term, given the already high real estate prices in the area.

However, he cautioned that daily commuters, especially residents in areas like Gohtong Jaya traveling frequently between Genting and Kuala Lumpur, could face a cumulative financial burden, potentially affecting commuting patterns and household expenses.

Visitor traffic at Genting Highlands remains strong, with 28.1 million arrivals in 2024 – a 12.9 per cent increase from the previous year – supported by a workforce of 10,847. The road connects iconic attractions at Resorts World Genting, Resorts World Awana and Genting Highlands Premium Outlets, which continue to draw strong interest, particularly from weekend visitors and bikers.

Lingkaran Cekap Sdn Bhd, the new operator of Jalan Genting Highlands, will introduce a one-time vehicle entry fee for Genting Highlands, marking the first time visitors are charged to access the private roads.

The system is targeted for rollout in the first half of 2026, although the exact start date will depend on finalising the fee structure. While earlier speculation suggested rates between RM2.50 and RM5.00, the official charge has not yet been confirmed.

The move is part of a "sustainable model" aimed at ensuring road and slope safety, infrastructure upkeep, and long-term operational resilience.

The 24km Jalan Genting Highlands is a critical infrastructure asset, requiring more than routine resurfacing. Maintenance includes slope stabilisation, drainage management, and landslide prevention – vital given the steep terrain and heavy rainfall. These responsibilities are managed by Linkaran Cekap, ensuring the road and slope remain safe and reliable.

Authorities emphasised that the upcoming fee is not a toll but a charge by Lingkaran Cekap to offset rising upkeep costs. The Genting Malaysia Group has fully funded maintenance of the private road and slopes since the 1960s. Two road-charge stations are in the midst of being constructed: the Genting Highlands Entry at Genting Sempah, about 20km from the Gombak toll, and the Gohtong Jaya Entry at the Gohtong Jaya roundabout.

The entry system will use a cashless payment system and Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) technology to automatically identify and charge vehicles at two main access points – Genting Sempah and Gohtong Jaya – for ascending traffic only. There are nine lanes at the Genting Highlands entry and eight lanes at the Gohtong Jaya entry equipped with the technology, while construction and system finalisation are ongoing.

Motorcycles will initially be exempted, though the policy for larger-capacity bikes is still under review.

Traffic Management and Strategic Opportunities

Echoing these sentiments, Samuel Tan, founder and chief executive officer of Olive Tree Property Consultants, described the toll as a traffic management tool rather than a major deterrent to tourism.

He said casual day-trippers are unlikely to be significantly affected, though visitors on tighter budgets may reduce spontaneous trips.

"The charge could incentivise a shift toward public transport such as the Awana Skyway cable car or express buses, which may lead to congestion at transit hubs during peak periods."

To address this, he suggested tiered pricing for off-peak periods, rebates for overnight stays, and clear communication on how revenue supports road safety and infrastructure.

Sources: https://www.nst.com.my/property/2026/03/1402649/genting-highlands-vehicle-fee-seen-manageable-minimal-impact-property

A proposed one-time vehicle entry fee for Genting Highlands, set to take effect this year, is unlikely to dampen the property or tourism markets, industry experts say. NSTP/HAZREEN MOHAMAD