KUALA LUMPUR – The government has reversed its earlier decision to abolish toll waivers, announcing a 50% discount on toll charges for the upcoming Chinese New Year festivities.
In a statement issued today, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi confirmed that the discount will be available from 12.01am on January 27 to 11.59pm on January 28.
The discount will apply solely to Class 1 private vehicles and will exclude tolls at the country’s borders, specifically the Sultan Iskandar Building and Tanjung Kupang toll plazas.
Minister Nanta said the discount is expected to cost the government around RM20.08 million in compensation to toll concessionaires.
He clarified that his earlier announcement, which suggested ending toll waivers during festive periods, was based on a Cabinet decision made on December 20, 2024.
“However, the Cabinet meeting today agreed to provide a 50% discount in commemoration of the 2025 Chinese New Year festivities in line with the Madani government’s agenda on unity and the people’s welfare,” he said.
He also pointed out that the government’s stable financial position, bolstered by subsidy rationalisation programmes and increased investment and trade, supported this move.
On Tuesday, the minister had revealed that the government had decided to end the practice of offering free tolls during festive seasons in favour of a more targeted approach.
He noted that Putrajaya is expected to save RM190 million annually once toll exemptions are phased out during festive seasons.
Toll waivers during the 2023 and 2024 festive seasons had cost the government a total of RM356.18 million. – January 24, 2025