Cabinet approves 50 per cent toll discount for Chinese New Year - Nanta

He said the initiative will be implemented on all highways from 12.01 am on Jan 27 (Monday) until 11.59 pm on Jan 28 (Tuesday). The estimated compensation for toll concession companies involved is RM20.08 million.

The 50 per cent toll discount, approved during today's Cabinet meeting, will apply to all toll plazas except those at the country's borders, namely the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Toll Plaza on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (LINKEDUA).

"My earlier announcement regarding toll waivers during festive seasons, which were set to end after Christmas 2024, was based on the Cabinet's decision on Dec 20, 2024.

"However, today's Cabinet meeting agreed to provide a 50 per cent toll discount for Chinese New Year 2025, in line with the MADANI Government's agenda to promote unity and well-being among the people, supported by the government's strong financial position resulting from subsidy rationalisation programmes and increased investment and trade," he said in a statement today.

Nanta said the initiative continues the festive toll assistance provided by the MADANI Government for all four major festive seasons in Peninsular Malaysia since 2023.

He said the government has spent a total of RM356.18 million as compensation for implementing Festive Season Toll-Free Travel Assistance from 2023 to 2024.

In this regard, Nanta hopes highway users will make the most of the toll discount and plan their journeys wisely to avoid traffic congestion during the long holiday period.

"Users are encouraged to download the MYPLUS-TTA feature in the (Official) PLUS App to access the suggested Travel Time Advisory (TTA) schedule, enhancing driving safety for everyone to reach their destinations safely.

"All road users are advised to adhere to road signs and information displayed on the Variable Message System (VMS). Those using the Smart Lane are urged to signal early before entering the activated lane, drive at the designated speed, and remain alert to their surroundings," he said.

Nanta also encouraged users to check the latest traffic updates or incidents on highways via the Malaysian Highway Authority's (LLM) official social media platforms, such as Facebook (Malaysian Highway Authority), X (@LLMtrafik) and TikTok (@llmtrafik).

Highway users can also contact the LLM Traffic Management Centre at 1-800-88-7752 for the latest traffic information or assistance.

"To view real-time traffic conditions through closed-circuit television on all highways, users can visit LLM's website at https://www.llm.gov.my. Additionally, traffic updates are available via the LLM Info Traffic WhatsApp Channel," he said.

-- BERNAMA