Toll-free travel during major festivals will likely not be offered this year following a Cabinet decision, according to Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday (Jan 21), Nanta revealed that the government had determined 2023 would mark the last year it would provide subsidies for highway users to enjoy toll-free travel during festive seasons.
"This is since we decided to streamline the subsidies that we give out as we are moving towards targeted subsidies [to lower-income groups]," he said.
The minister added that while the Cabinets decision stands firm, any changes to this policy in the future would depend on other considerations.
In recent years, the government subsidized toll-free travel during major festivals such as Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, and Christmas. Last year, for instance, the unity government paid RM38 million in subsidies to highway operators to provide toll-free travel on December 23 and 24.
During the 2023 Hari Raya Aidilfitri period, the government allocated a significant RM93 million in subsidies to benefit the concessionaires of 33 major highways.
Source: TheStar
