Moving forward, all festive seasons for 2025 in Malaysia will see a 50% discount for highway toll fees, reports Bernama. This decision was made by the government following the 50% toll discount implemented for two days during Chinese New Year last week, instead of a 100% rebate as in the years prior.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said, “In a year, eight days were allocated for toll-free travel. Now, the same number of days will have a 50% discount instead,” including holidays such as Aidilfitri.
Nanta says that the 50% toll rebate measure would reduce the compensation borne by the government to highway concessionaires. “By halving it (to 50 percent), the payment to concessionaires amounts to RM80 million,” he said.
He added that the cost of the toll discount is covered by the government using public funds, not by the highway concession companies.
ALSO READ: New AwAS speed cameras to monitor vehicle average speed – Anthony Loke
Berita Harian first reported on January 21 that the government is planning to end the practice of offering toll-free travel during festive seasons. Instead, a “targeted approach” for B40 and M40 income groups was suggested.
The suggestion was backed by deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who claimed that the free tolls did not fix congestion problems that occur frequently during festive periods.
By January 24, however, the government had decided to offer a 50% discount on highway toll fees instead, as “the people still need it”, Nanta explains.
