Public Welcomes 50 Pct toll Discount As Timely Relief From Financial Strain

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- The government's decision to offer a 50 percent toll reduction for this Wednesday's Chinese New Year celebrations is hailed as a timely and much-needed relief, easing the financial strain on the public during the festive season.

This move has received widespread approval, with many seeing it as a crucial step to support the well-being and welfare of the people.

Housewife Masiah Nasran, 57, praised the move as highly appropriate and aligned with the increased assistance provided to the public at this time.

"In my opinion, the toll reduction is a great initiative, since financial aids like the Rahmah Cash Assistance (STR) and the Social Welfare Department grants have also been increased," she said when met by Bernama at the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) today.

Masiah also welcomed the government’s efforts to reduce airfares for the festive season, which she believes will help ease the financial strain on households, particularly for those returning to their hometowns.

Similarly, Muhammad Firman Shah, 20, expressed his support for the government initiative, believing that this approach provides more benefits to the public compared to merely offering free tolls.

"In my view, this is the best course of action because if tolls were made free, the government would not generate any returns. The 50 percent discount still helps the people while ensuring the sustainability of the country's finances," he said.

On Friday, the government agreed to implement a 50 percent toll reduction for the 2025 Chinese New Year celebrations, starting at 12.01 am on Jan 27, 2025 (Monday) and ending at 11.59 pm on Jan 28, 2025 (Tuesday).

Minister of Works Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi revealed that the financial impact on the government, in terms of compensation to toll concession companies, is estimated at RM20.08 million.

He also highlighted that between 2023 and 2024, the government allocated RM356.18 million in compensation for toll relief during festive seasons.

Zaliha Baha, a 40-year-old administrative clerk, hopes the government will offer toll reductions during the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri as well, particularly for owners of vehicles 1.3cc and below, as they are typically from lower to middle-income groups.

"If this target group receives a discount or exemption, it would certainly help cut travel expenses going back to their hometowns, allowing them to celebrate the festival more meaningfully," she said.

Meanwhile, a survey by Bernama found that many people opted for public transportation to return to their hometowns during this festive season.

Nurul Anissa Zamri, a 32-year-old master's student in pharmacy and oncology at the University of Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh campus, shared her experience of using the Electric Train Service (ETS) for the past six years to travel back to her hometown in Kuala Lumpur.

"I take advantage of the student pass, which allows me to enjoy a 40 percent discount. This means I only pay RM25 for a Gold Class ticket that costs RM42," she said.

Christina Teh, a 30-year-old private sector worker, who will be traveling from Selangor to her hometown in Ipoh this Tuesday via the ETS, said she chooses public transport due to its significant cost savings.

"Driving a car not only tires me out from hours of traffic jams but it’s also expensive. I have to spend on fuel, tolls, and car maintenance before heading home," she explained.

Meanwhile, 75-year-old Teng See Heng from Kangar, Perlis, shared that he prefers to take the train to Butterworth before flying to Singapore for the Chinese New Year celebration.

He explained that this has been his routine for the past five years after his wife passed away. He now spends at least a week in Singapore during the holiday, as all three of his children work and live there.

"It's more convenient to use public transport, and being a senior citizen, I get a discount for the commuter journey from Arau, Perlis," he added.

Li Jia, a 20-year-old student from the Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan campus, said she regularly travels by public transport to return home to Arau, Perlis.

"An express bus ticket from Kota Bharu to Arau costs around RM43. If I'm visiting friends in Penang before Chinese New Year, I prefer taking the train because it’s cheaper and I avoid getting stuck in the traffic jams," said the medical student.

-- BERNAMA