The implementation of toll-free travel, a long tradition in Malaysia during the major festive seasons, has since been discontinued. The move was revealed by the Works Minister, Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The timing of the announcement is rather immaculate, as Chinese New Year is going to take place next week. Being the first major festive season of 2025, many expect toll-free travel to be implemented at that time.
It will be replaced with a “more targeted approach”
According to Alexander, the decision to end the toll-free travel for festive seasons was made by the Cabinet last year. A “more targeted approach” will replace it although the minister did not reveal the details behind the new approach and only said that it will be announced in the near future.
Throughout 2024, the government has paid toll concessionaires over RM200 million to implement toll-free travel during Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali, and Christmas. Overall, the so-called “targeted approach” is in line with the current government’s effort to streamline the subsidy distribution.
Last June, the government removed the blanket subsidy for diesel in Peninsular Malaysia and has floated it according to the market price. The diesel subsidies were then distributed to eligible recipients via the Bumi Madani and MySubsidi Diesel programmes. Meanwhile, the government is also planning to implement RON95 subsidy rationalisation by the middle of this year.
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