Raya exodus: Toll-free days to cost govt RM93mil, says Deputy Finance Minister

KUCHING: The government has to bear about RM93mil to implement the free ‘Rahmah’ toll initiative for four days from today, said Deputy Finance Minister I Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.

He said the free Rahmah toll initiative, applicable on 13 highways and for all classes of vehicles, was one of Madani's aspirations to reduce the cost of living for the people.

ALSO READ: Aidilfitri: LLM expects 2.3 million vehicles daily on major expressways

Ahmad said the amount was a preliminary estimate calculated by the National Budget Office to be paid to the concessionaires involved.

"Think of it as ‘duit raya’...to give highway users the opportunity to return to their hometowns or visit family members in conjunction with Aidilfitri," he said after handing over donations to 30 asnaf at the Malaysian Tax Academy here Wednesday (April 19).

Also present was Sarawak Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) director Vijayen Nagalingham.

ALSO READ: Hari Raya: Toll-free travel on April 19, 20, 21 and 24, says Anwar

In another development, Ahmad said the Sarawak LHDN recorded a total of RM6.6bil in tax collection last year.

"This year we are targeting a tax collection of RM6.8bil,” he added. - Bernama