Deputy works minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has indicated that the decision to end toll-free travel during festive seasons is not final and may still be reconsidered. Speaking during a working visit to the Selangor public works department yesterday, he noted that the cabinet retains the authority to review its decisions.
Ahmad said works minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi will issue an announcement today, should it be decided that toll-free travel is offered for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration next week. He also revealed that today is the last day for the cabinet to finalise the decision.
The statement follows Nanta’s announcement earlier this week that toll exemptions for festive seasons would be discontinued starting this year. Instead, a targeted approach would be implemented, marking a shift from the previous practice of blanket toll-free travel during key holidays.
The deputy works minister also highlighted the financial implications of free toll days, revealing that a single day costs the government between RM19 million and RM20 million in subsidies to highway concessionaires. “Annually, we provide toll-free days eight times, equivalent to eight days of free tolls across four festive seasons. What was announced by the minister reflects the Cabinet’s decision last year,” he explained.
(Source: The Star)
