PETALING JAYA: The government should give toll exemption during Chinese New Year, says Datuk T. Murugiah.
The MIC vice-president said this is critical to ensure fairness and equal treatment for the Chinese community to celebrate one of their most significant festivals.
"Chinese New Year is a major celebration and thousands of Malaysians of Chinese descent will be travelling back to their hometowns to reunite with their families.
"These journeys often come with high costs, including toll payments.
"Waiving toll charges, even temporarily, can ease this burden and demonstrate the government's commitment to the well-being of all Malaysians, regardless of race," he said.
He said that it is worth reminding the government of its previous election pledge to abolish toll charges altogether.
While this has not been fulfilled yet, he said they could honour the spirit of this commitment by granting toll exemptions during major festive seasons.
"I sincerely hope the government will review this matter with fairness and sensitivity, in line with the principles of the Malaysian family, which emphasises equality and the well-being of all communities," he said.