Toll-free travel during festive seasons could return, pending cabinet’s decision today, says Ahmad Maslan

Deputy works minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan has said the decision to end highway toll exemptions during festive seasons is not final and may still be revised, The Star reports.

“Can this decision change? Yes, it can. We will find out tomorrow (Friday). Whether it stays or changes, the cabinet has the authority to review its decisions,” Ahmad said during a working visit to the Selangor public works department yesterday.

“Let us wait until tomorrow. If there is a new decision, the works minister will issue an announcement, as tomorrow is the last day to finalise the decision in conjunction with the upcoming Chinese New Year,” he added.

Earlier this week, it was revealed by works minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi that there would be no more toll-free travel for festive seasons beginning this year, with a targeted approach to be used instead.

Ahmad also said a single day of free tolls costs between RM19 million and RM20 million in subsidies to compensate highway concessionaires. “Annually, we provide toll-free days eight times, equivalent to eight days of free tolls across four festive seasons. What was announced by the minister reflects the cabinet’s decision last year,” he explained.

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