Motorists will enjoy a 50% toll discount nationwide on Nov 6 and 7 for Deepavali, with the government allocating RM20.11 million to compensate highway concessionaires.
PETALING JAYA: The government has announced a 50% toll discount for two days from tomorrow (Nov 6) in conjunction with the Deepavali celebrations, with compensation payments estimated at RM20.11 million to be borne by the government.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the discount would take effect from 12.01am on Friday (Nov 6) until 11.59pm on Saturday (Nov 7), benefiting motorists travelling to their hometowns or visiting family members during the festive period.
He said the initiative would apply to Class 1 private vehicles at all toll plazas nationwide, as well as Class 2 vehicles using the Penang Bridge.
However, the discount would not apply at toll plazas along the country’s borders, namely the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Toll Plaza on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (LINKEDUA).
“The provision of this toll discount is estimated to involve RM20.11 million in compensation payments to the highway concessionaires concerned, which will be borne by the government, subject to verification of traffic data,” he said in a statement today.
Nanta said the initiative reflected the government’s continued commitment to safeguarding public welfare while helping Malaysians manage their travel expenses during the festive season.
“The initiative is expected to help ease travel costs, particularly for Hindus returning to their hometowns or visiting family members to celebrate Deepavali.
“It also reflects the spirit of the celebration through family ties and togetherness,” he said.
He added that the Works Ministry, through the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), would coordinate the implementation of the discount with the relevant highway concessionaires to ensure eligible motorists benefited from the initiative.
Meanwhile, Nanta advised highway users to plan their journeys early to avoid traffic congestion, particularly during peak festive travel periods.
Motorists were also reminded to ensure they had sufficient balances in their Touch ’n Go cards or eWallets before starting their journeys.
He urged drivers to observe speed limits, maintain safe distances from other vehicles and take adequate breaks to prevent fatigue.
Highway users were also encouraged to monitor real-time traffic conditions and incident updates through LLM’s official channels to plan their journeys more effectively.
“Cooperation from all road users in practising responsible driving is essential to ensuring smooth, safe and comfortable journeys throughout the festive season,” he said.
