If you plan to drive this Christmas and want to cut down on toll expenses, you’re in luck! The Malaysian government has some great news for you. During the festive season, specifically on December 23 and 26, 2023, all highways in the country will be toll-free. This means you can enjoy a smooth journey without having to pay any toll fees.
Which Highways Are Toll-Free?
The toll-free deal covers all 33 highways in Malaysia, including well-known ones like the North-South Expressway (PLUS), the East Coast Highway (LPT), the Penang Bridge (JPP), and the Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah Bridge (JSAHMS). This toll-free period begins at 12:01 am on December 23, 2023 (Thursday) and lasts until 11:59 pm on December 26, 2023 (Sunday).
This is the first time the government has offered such a generous toll waiver for all highway users during Christmas. Previously, the longest toll-free period was for four days during Hari Raya Aidilfitri in April 2023, and during Chinese New Year and Deepavali, only selected highways were toll-free.
How Much Can You Save?
This toll-free offer is expected to benefit millions of Malaysians traveling to celebrate Christmas with loved ones. The government estimates that it will spend RM168 million to compensate the highway concessionaires for the lost toll revenue.
To give you an idea of the savings, here are some examples of toll charges for popular routes:
- Kuala Lumpur to Penang: RM48.90
- Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru: RM50.80
- Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan: RM32.50
- Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh: RM21.60
- Kuala Lumpur to Seremban: RM9.70
By traveling on these routes during the toll-free period, you can save up to RM100 for a round trip. That’s a substantial amount that you can use for other expenses like food, gifts, or fuel.
What Do You Need to Do?
To enjoy the toll-free benefit, you don’t need to take any special actions. Simply drive as you normally would and follow traffic rules. However, make sure to have your Touch ‘n Go card, SmartTag device, or RFID tag with you when passing through toll plazas. The toll system will still record your entry and exit points for traffic management purposes.
Keep in mind that the toll-free offer doesn’t cover other charges or fees imposed by highway operators, such as parking fees, vehicle breakdown services, or traffic offense fines.
Other Important Information
While the toll-free offer is fantastic, it may lead to increased traffic on highways, causing congestion. Plan your journey ahead and try to avoid peak hours if possible. You can also check traffic conditions online or via mobile apps before hitting the road.
For safety, especially at night or during bad weather, ensure your vehicle is in good condition and has enough fuel. Follow speed limits and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. If you feel tired or sleepy, take a break at rest and service areas (R&R) along the way.
Lastly, enjoy your trip and have a merry Christmas!