Kuala Lumpur: The government’s announcement of a 50 percent toll discount for two days, starting this Friday, at all toll plazas except those at the country’s borders, in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations, will certainly bring joy to the public.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, private sector worker Mohd Hasriq Amiruddin, 40, described the good news as an initiative that greatly helps alleviate financial burdens during the festive season, especially after the significant expenses for the school term in February. Mohd Hasriq expressed gratitude for the toll discount, noting that it allows for financial savings that can be redirected towards other necessities, such as Raya preparations. He explained that his usual round trip journey back to his hometown in Alor Setar, Kedah, typically costs over RM80 in tolls, and this discount provides a welcome relief.

A similar sentiment was echoed by another private sector worker, Siti Sarah Md Razi, 38, who travels annually to her hometown in Chemor, Perak. She mentioned that toll costs are a significant part of her travel expenses, and the discount allows her to allocate her budget towards other necessities, like duit raya for her nieces and nephews.

Meanwhile, tuition teacher Ariff Ahmad Azam, 40, expressed his appreciation for the government’s initiative, which helps ease the cost of his journey back to Pasir Puteh, Kelantan. While acknowledging that the discount is not equivalent to free toll, he appreciated the 50 percent reduction as a significant aid during the festive season’s round trip travel.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced that the government would offer this 50 percent toll discount in conjunction with the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations. He noted that the financial impact borne by the government to compensate the toll concession companies involved is estimated at RM19.69 million.