Two-day toll exemption for CNY

PUTRAJAYA - Highway users will receive the benefits of toll exemptions starting Friday in conjunction with the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement in a press conference today.

He said the toll exemptions would involve all highway concessions and a financial implication of RM40 million.

"This represented the Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook's initiative in the discussion with concession parties and agreed for the toll exemptions on the dates," Anwar said after he chaired the Cabinet meeting, here, on Wednesday.

Also present was deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

Anwar said the decision simplified the travel plans for individuals on a holiday for Chinese New Year.

"Our advice is as usual, be safe on the roads, obey all traffic laws and avoid the increase of accident cases," he said.

A total of 3.8 million vehicles were expected to be on the highways throughout the country for the festivities starting this weekend.

To ensure the traffic and safety of individuals were kept at its best throughout the festivities, Alexander said the Malaysian Highway Board (LLM) had taken a few initiatives including cooperation with the police.

LLM and the concession company operations would be increased to 24 hours.