Genting Highlands Introduces New Road Charge Amid Growing Tourism Demand, Get the Details Here

Published on December 16, 2025

The introduction of a private charging fee for the well-known route of Genting Highlands by Genting Malaysia Bhd has sparked concerns regarding its possible effect on the number of visitors and property market in the region. The fee, which is expected to take effect along Jalan Genting Highlands, has been proposed as a measure to cope with the increasing maintenance expenditure of the 24km-long private road. Experts say that the effect of the fee will be minimal.

The amount is not considered a toll but rather a road charge for funding the upkeep of the private road and slopes maintained by Genting Malaysia since the 1960s. Owing to the increased use and consequent wear and tear on the road, the group has been undertaking continuous renovation works for the effective and safe flow of tourists into the site.

Infrastructure Upgrades and Road-Charge Stations Under Construction

Two road-charge stations are currently under construction to implement this new policy. The first station, located approximately 20 kilometers from the Gombak toll, is situated near Genting Permai, while the second station is at the Gohtong Jaya roundabout. These stations will serve vehicles traveling from Batang Kali and Karak/Kuala Lumpur, respectively. This setup aims to streamline traffic flow and provide a clear structure for the road charge system.

The road charge aims to fund the necessary upgrades and repairs to the road infrastructure, including the Gohtong Jaya roundabout and a tunnel. The project is being executed by Lingkaran Cekap Sdn Bhd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Genting Malaysia, reflecting the group’s commitment to maintaining the safety and quality of the road, which sees frequent usage by tourists and local traffic alike.

Local shop owners in Gohtong Jaya speculate that Genting Group members and visitors who use the Resort World Genting app may receive some form of rebate, as the group has invested significantly in road maintenance over the years. However, official details about the charge, including the exact fee structure, have yet to be confirmed. Rumors from 2023 suggested a fee of around RM2.50 to RM3, but Genting Malaysia has not yet made an official announcement.

Minimal Impact on Tourism and Local Economy

According to property consultants and industry analysts, the impact of the proposed road charge on tourism and the local property market is expected to be relatively small. Savills Malaysia Group Managing Director Datuk Paul Khong commented that the fee is a minor cost in relation to the overall experience of visiting Genting Highlands. He believes that while some visitors may initially object to the charge, most will likely accept it over time, as it is a modest fee compared to the total cost of a visit.

Adzman Shah Ariffin, CEO of ExaStrata Solutions, shared a similar view, noting that while short-term fluctuations in visitor numbers may occur among price-sensitive tourists, the long-term appeal of Genting Highlands, including its casinos, entertainment venues, and Genting Highlands Premium Outlets, will continue to attract both local and international visitors. The iconic status of Genting Highlands as a popular destination for weekend getaways and leisure activities, particularly among bikers, car enthusiasts, and family travelers, will likely sustain visitor numbers despite the added charge.

Limited Impact on Property Market

The road charge is unlikely to significantly affect the property market in Genting Highlands, where high-end developments continue to thrive. CBRE | WTW Group Managing Director Tan Ka Leong remarked that the charge is primarily intended to support ongoing maintenance and safety enhancements, and its impact on the property market should be minimal. Buyers of hilltop residences, such as those located within the Genting Highlands area, are generally motivated by lifestyle choices or long-term investment potential rather than concerns about small additional costs related to mobility.

The demand for luxury properties, serviced apartments, and townships in Genting Highlands has remained strong, even with the introduction of the road charge. Tan Ka Leong further noted that while day-trippers may feel the financial pinch more acutely, visitors who stay overnight or frequent Genting Highlands for its unique offerings will likely view the charge as a small price to pay for the experience.

Ongoing Property Development in Genting Highlands

Despite the introduction of the road charge, Genting Highlands continues to attract significant property development. Developers remain optimistic about the area’s long-term appeal, with major projects still underway. For instance, LBS Bina Group Bhd launched Rimbawan, a 315-acre township development, which includes the 37-storey Bayu Hills apartment complex. The project has already seen substantial interest, with apartments ranging from 500 to 1,067 sq ft and priced starting at RM501,000.

In Gohtong Jaya, Genting Malaysia has partnered with Aset Kayamas Sdn Bhd for the development of Genting Xintiandi, a 60-acre project with a gross development value exceeding RM20 billion. The first phase of this project includes the construction of four towers of serviced apartments totaling 2,600 units. Other significant projects, such as Tropicana WindCity, are also progressing, with developers seeing strong demand for properties within the Genting Highlands area.

Impact on Travel and Tourism in Genting Highlands

Tourists and day-trippers visiting Genting Highlands will be most affected by the road charge, although its overall impact on visitor numbers is expected to be limited. For tourists traveling to Genting Highlands for leisure, the modest fee may not significantly change their travel decisions, especially when compared to the unique attractions available in the area, including world-class entertainment, shopping outlets, and nature experiences.

The road charge is likely to be more noticeable for casual visitors who may consider the additional cost as part of their trip’s overall budget. However, with long-term investment projects and infrastructure improvements underway, Genting Highlands is likely to remain an attractive destination for both local and international visitors. As such, tourism will continue to play a vital role in the region’s economy, even with the implementation of the charge.

A Small Cost for Sustainable Maintenance and Growth

Therefore, even though the highway toll for Jalan Genting Highlands is set to become small but significant for the funding for the maintenance of the region’s infrastructure, the implication for tourism within the region is bound to be small. The fact that Genting Highlands is known for its icon status and the development that is currently taking place in the form of luxury developments and tourism sites means that the region will still perform even with the new charge on the highway that passes through the region. The increase in tourism means that the new charge will become acceptable by all the tourists who visit the region for the various experiences that the region provides.