Gov announces 50% toll discount for Hari Raya on March 18-19 to ease balik kampung travel burden.
PETALING JAYA: Malaysians traveling home for Hari Raya Aidilfitri will benefit from a 50% toll discount on major highways, as the government strengthens efforts to ease festive travel and safeguard public welfare amid global economic uncertainties.
In a statement, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the Madani government has taken a firm stance to protect the well-being of the people throughout Ramadan and leading up to Syawal.
He highlighted several initiatives introduced since the start of Ramadan to lighten the financial burden on citizens:
- Additional Aidilfitri leave days;
- Festive season maximum price scheme (14–28 March 2026);
- Early STR Phase 2 payments of RM1.3 billion to 5.2 million recipients;
- Special financial assistance for public servants, retirees, veterans, and religious personnel;
- RM400 FLYsiswa flight subsidies;
- Nearly 1,900 Program Jualan Rahmah Madani events;
- Ban on the sale of subsidised cooking oil to foreigners.
As an additional measure, the government will offer a 50% toll discount for private vehicles on 18 and 19 March 2026.
The discount applies from 12:01 am on 18 March until 11:59 pm on 19 March and covers Class 1 vehicles (and Class 2 on the Penang Bridge), except at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) toll plaza on the North-South Expressway (PLUS) and the Tanjung Kupang toll plaza on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (LINKEDUA).
Anwar also urged Malaysians to spend responsibly and manage finances prudently during Syawal to prepare for future uncertainties.
The Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM) expects a surge in traffic on main highways and connecting routes, particularly towards the North, South, and East Coast, starting 18 March, with peak traffic projected to reach 3.49 million vehicles.
To ensure safe and smooth travel, LLM has directed highway concessionaires to implement the following measures:
- No lane closures except for emergencies between 18–30 March;
- Activation of 34 Smart Lane locations on PLUS highways;
- Fully operational toll systems with multilane collection at critical plazas;
- Regular inspections of highways and R&R facilities;
- Provision of 65 portable toilets and sufficient water supply;
- Additional parking and personnel, including RELA volunteers, at R&R areas.
Anwar extended his wishes for a Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri and greetings of maaf zahir dan batin, reflecting the spirit of compassion and community central to the festive season.
