PUTRAJAYA: The decision to end toll-free festivities has yet to be finalised as this will only be decided by the Cabinet on Friday, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said that what was announced by the Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi was based on the policy decisions made prior to this.
The government spokesperson said this to the media after being a panellist at a fireside chat at the Inaugural Asia International Security Summit and Expo 2025.
He was asked to comment on the announcement by Nanta Linggi on Wednesday (Jan 21) that there will be no more toll-free travel during festive periods this year based on a Cabinet decision that was made in 2024.
"We have to respect the highway concessions that were signed. However, at the same time, we are studying these concessions to find out what we can do to assist people with the cost of living.
"The Cabinet, upon the return of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from his overseas trip, will discuss this issue on Friday (Jan 24).
"What was announced by the Works Minister was based on the policy decisions made prior to this.
"However, the government is open to views from various stakeholders and takes it forward," said Fahmi.
On Jan 21, Works Minister Nanta Linggi said that the government decided that last year would be the last time the administration provided subsidies for highway users to travel toll-free on certain days during major festivals.
The decision was in line with the unity government’s policy of ending blanket subsidies in favour of those targeted at low-income households and vulnerable groups, he added.
“The Cabinet in 2024 decided that when it comes to toll-free travel during festival periods, 2024 would be the last year,” Nanta Linggi had told the media.
