KUALA LUMPUR: The government will provide a 50% toll discount on Dec 23 and 24 in conjunction with Christmas, says Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi (pic).
The discount applies to Class 1 vehicles (Class 2 on the Penang Bridge) at all toll plazas except the Sultan Iskandar Building Toll Plaza on the North-South Expressway and the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link Expressway.
Nanta said the government will bear the estimated financial implication of RM20.65mil to compensate all highway concessionaires involved.
“It is hoped that the toll discount will ease the travel cost burden for people planning to return to their hometowns or go on holiday with their families.
“This is in line with the Madani government’s aim to help people of various religions and beliefs,” he said in a statement yesterday, Bernama reported.
He said the selection of toll discount dates also aimed at dispersing traffic during the festive season and school holidays as well as optimising highway operations at rest and service areas.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) has introduced operational measures to ensure safe and smooth travel during Christmas, such as restricting lane closures to emergencies only and activating smart lane systems at 30 key locations.
In a statement, LLM director-general Datuk Sazali Harun said the authority will ensure toll collection systems operate at full efficiency by deploying a layered collection system at busy plazas to minimise congestion.
He added that all highway facilities, including R&Rs and lay-bys, will be fully operational and maintained throughout the festive season.
“There are extra parking spaces, portable toilets and an adequate water supply, with additional staff to maintain cleanliness.
“We have also ensured fuel supply at stations along the highways,” he said.
Highway users are advised to plan their journeys using the LLM TuJu Highway Navigation App and MyPLUS-TTA, as well as complying with travel time advisories, speed limits, signs and regulations to ensure safe travel.
They can check traffic status or any incidents via the LLM official social media on Facebook, X @LLMtrafik, TikTok @llmtrafik or contact the LLM Traffic Management Centre at 1-800-88-7752.
Sazali advised motorists to ensure their vehicles are in good condition and to maintain sufficient balance on their toll card or e-wallet.
Motorcyclists are also advised to exercise caution and to use the 571 designated motorcycle shelters during rainy conditions.
LLM anticipates up to 2.6 million vehicles daily during peak periods, including 2.2 million on PLUS Group highways.
The Kuala Lumpur-Karak Expressway, East Coast Expressway Phases 1 and 2, and the West Coast Expressway are also expected to experience heavy congestion.
