KUALA LUMPUR: There will be free tolls for two days from Saturday to Sunday for highway users in conjunction with Deepavali, says Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
He said toll exemptions will be given to all types of vehicles at all toll plazas except at the toll plazas at the national border, namely the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar (BSI) Toll Plaza and the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza, both in Johor.
"The Works Ministry, through a meeting together with concession companies, has agreed on the implementation of this free toll which starts on Nov 11 (Saturday) at 12.01 am until Nov 12 (Sunday) at 11.59 pm.
"This initiative is to celebrate all Malaysians, especially the Indian Hindu community who celebrate Deepavali. This is also in line with the desire of the unity government to help ease the burden of the people regardless of diversity of religions, races and beliefs," he said in a statement.
He added that the date selection is also intended to help travellers avoid traffic congestion for their journey to their hometowns and back to the city.
"With the implementation of this free toll, it is hoped that highway users will be able to plan their journey well. Highway users are also advised to comply with the recommended travel time schedule or travel time advisory (TTA).
"Safety aspects and safe driving must be observed so that all highway users can arrive at their destinations safely," he said,
Users can check the traffic status or any incident on the highway that will be updated on the official social media of the Malaysian Highway Authority.
It is expected that about 11.8 million vehicles would be using the highway during this period.