Govt will bear cost of RM500mil to protect welfare of rakyat
PETALING JAYA: The government will bear financial implications exceeding RM500mil next year due to the toll freeze at 10 major highways, says Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (pic).
The Works Minister said this was decided in the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday.
“The Madani government remains committed to protecting the welfare of the people by maintaining the existing toll rates for 2026, involving 10 major highways nationwide.
“This decision aligns with the announcement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on July 23.
“He had stated that the government agreed the public would continue to enjoy the current toll rates without any increase.
”The Cabinet subsequently agreed to this matter retrospectively to ensure the continuity of these toll rates.
“The decision involves 10 highways – namely the Cheras-Kajang Expressway, Kuala Lumpur-Kuala Selangor Expressway, New North Klang Straits Bypass, Senai-Desaru Expressway, East Coast Expressway Phase 2, South Klang Valley Expressway, Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge, Duta-Ulu Kelang Expressway, Kuala Lumpur-Putrajaya Expressway and the Butterworth Outer Ring Road,” said Nanta in a statement yesterday.
He added that this measure demonstrates the government’s determination to ease the people’s cost of living burden, particularly highway users, by ensuring that no toll rate increases will be implemented throughout 2026.
“Although the government will have to bear compensation costs amounting to RM591.56mil in 2026, the people’s interest remains our priority.
“This allocation reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the well-being and welfare of the people, while ensuring inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
He added that the Works Ministry would work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the nation’s highways continue to be managed sustainably and efficiently, in line with government aspirations.
Earlier, government spokesman and Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the Cabinet had decided that 10 highway concessionaires would not raise toll rates in 2026.
He said the Prime Minister announced this at the first Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, a day after the Cabinet reshuffle was announced.
“For 2026, 10 highway concessionaires will not implement any toll increases. This decision carries financial implications, which will be borne by the government,” Fahmi said at a post-Cabinet briefing in Angkasapuri yesterday.
