PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet will decide tomorrow on toll-free travel during festive seasons, says Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.
He said any move to end such toll-free travel has yet to be finalised as the government remained open to views from various stakeholders.
“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 the people in dealing with the cost of living,” he said.
On Tuesday, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said that toll-free travel during festivals would be unlikely this year as the government wanted to streamline and move towards targeted subsidies for lower-income groups.
Fahmi explained yesterday that the Works Minister’s remarks were based on policy decisions made prior to this.
“The Cabinet, upon the return of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim from an overseas trip, will discuss this issue on Friday,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the Asia International Security Summit and Expo 2025.
On another issue, Fahmi said that rally organisers must adhere to the law and seek permission from the site owner.
“We need to consider both the aspects of safety and the adherence to the law. I believe there have been many instances where gatherings, such as the one at Padang Merbok, applied for and received approval from the organisers.”
He was asked if Pakatan Harapan, during its time as the Opposition, had sought permission from owners of shopping malls before holding Reformasi protests.
An anti-corruption rally, known as Himpunan Rakyat Benci Rasuah, is expected to take place in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday with participants gathering near a mall before proceeding to Dataran Merdeka.
“If anyone or any party wants to organise a gathering, the law clearly states that permission from the site owner must be obtained.
“If the site owner does not permit it, then it is a violation of the law,” said Fahmi.
On Tuesday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that such organisers should know their obligations under the Peaceful Assembly Act.
For instance, he said Dataran Merdeka has an owner, which meant that rally organisers should seek approval from City Hall.