Kuala lumpur: The MADANI Government has announced a 50 per cent discount on toll charges in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri to ease the cost of travelling back to hometowns. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that the decision was made at the Cabinet meeting as part of the government's comprehensive move to help the people address the rising cost of living, particularly during festive seasons.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, this initiative involves a financial commitment totalling RM21.03 million to compensate the concessionaires. The discount will take effect from 12.01 am on March 18 (Wednesday) until 11.59 pm on March 19 (Thursday). It applies to Class 1 private vehicles on all highways, except at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) Toll Plaza and the Tanjung Kupang Toll Plaza on the Malaysia-Singapore Second Link (LINKEDUA), added Anwar, who is also the Finance Minister.
The government, through the Malaysian Department of Insolvency, will also fast-track bankruptcy discharges, expected to benefit about 4,000 individuals, particularly single parents. "All these measures are a manifestation of the values of kindness and humanity that are the core of the MADANI Government in ensuring that the people continue to enjoy the benefits of the prosperity that we have worked for together," he said.
Anwar emphasized that the MADANI Government will continue to intensify efforts to ease the people's burden in conjunction with Ramadan and in preparation for Hari Raya Aidilfitri. Amid the uncertain global economy, the government has taken a firm stand to safeguard the welfare of the people by implementing several measures to ensure smooth preparations.
Steps taken include providing additional Aidilfitri holidays, implementing the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme, early disbursement of Phase 2 of Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) to 5.2 million recipients involving RM1.3 billion, and channelling the Special Financial Aid to civil servants, pensioners, and veterans. Additionally, the government has expanded the FLYsiswa flight ticket purchase subsidy initiative, implemented almost 1,900 MADANI Rahmah Sales Programmes throughout Ramadan, and banned the sale of subsidised cooking oil packets to foreigners to ensure the subsidies benefit Malaysians.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also reminded the people to continue spending wisely amid the uncertain global economic climate, stating, "In a still uncertain global economic climate, all parties must be disciplined in managing their finances." On behalf of the entire MADANI Government machinery, the Prime Minister wished "Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri" to all Malaysians, hoping that the festival is celebrated in a peaceful and grateful atmosphere with their loved ones.