Highways Nationwide To Be Toll-Free On 20 And 21 January

Prime minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced during today’s cabinet meeting in Putrajaya that highways nationwide will be toll-free for a total of two days. More specifically, the exemption will be in effect on 20 and 21 January 2023, just a couple of days shy before the arrival of the Chinese New Year celebration.

He added that the two-day toll-free passage applies to all vehicle classifications, therefore allowing all Malaysian road users to enjoy this benefit. It is revealed that the decision was made after the transport and works ministries held discussions with toll concessionaires, which agreed to not impose toll charges during the aforementioned dates.

Though not mentioned during the meeting, it is believed that the move is aimed at easing congestion along highways, which regularly occurs during major public holidays. These include celebrations such as Chinese New Year and Hari Raya Aidilfitri, where the public would often take to the roads to return to their respective hometowns.

According to The Vibes, the upcoming exemption will cost the government RM 40 million for the two days. “After that, please pay your toll fees,” Anwar said after chairing today’s cabinet meeting. On that note, the toll-free passage on nationwide highways will end on Chinese New Year itself, which falls on 22 January 2023. With that in mind, make sure to plan your return trips accordingly, as expect highways to be congested again towards the end of the holiday period.

Given that the government has decided to provide toll-free passage on highways for the upcoming Chinese New Year celebration, perhaps we’ll see a repeat of this gesture again during Hari Raya. As you may recall, a similar move was introduced by the previous administration for last year’s celebration, though this was applicable to only seven highways in Malaysia. Since we’re on that subject, this year’s Hari Raya Aidilfitri is expected to fall on 22 April 2023.

(Source: The Vibes)