By Balqis Jazimah Zahari
Photo social media
KUALA LUMPUR: The government has agreed to provide toll-free access for two days on the country’s highways in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration this weekend.
Ministry of Works collaboration with concessionaire companies, has agreed to implement toll exemptions from November 11 (Saturday) at 12:01 am until November 12 (Sunday) at 11:59 pm.
Works Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, stated that toll exemptions apply to all vehicle classes at all toll plazas except for the border toll plazas, Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) Toll Plaza and the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza in Johor.
“This initiative is implemented to celebrate all Malaysians, especially the Hindu Indian community, during the Deepavali festivities.
“It aligns with the Unity Government’s intention to ease the burden on the diverse religious, ethnic, and belief communities,” he said in a statement here today.
Alexander mentioned that the chosen dates aim to avoid traffic congestion on the return journey to villages and back to cities.
According to him, this approach optimizes additional logistics operations, such as traffic control management, additional water sources, restroom provisions, and other logistical needs involving third parties at lay-bys and rest areas along the highways.
He said that an estimated 11.8 million vehicles are expected during these two days.
“With the implementation of toll-free access, it is hoped that highway users can take advantage of this opportunity and plan their journeys accordingly.
“Highway users are also advised to adhere to the recommended travel time advisory (TTA) schedule,” he said.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of safety and responsible driving to ensure all highway users reach their destinations safely, making the Deepavali celebration more meaningful with their loved ones.
Users can check traffic status or any incidents on the highway, updated on the official social media of the Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM), either on Facebook at Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia or on Twitter @LLMtrafik regularly.
In addition, highway users can contact the LLM Traffic Management Center at 1-800-88-7752 for the latest traffic information or assistance.
