HIGHWAY USERS ELATED TO JOIN RAYA EXODUS WITH TOLL DISCOUNT

KUALA LUMPUR, March 28 (Bernama) -- The government's decision to provide a 50 per cent (pct) toll discount is considered a significant initiative in alleviating the burden on citizens, especially during a time of facing the rising cost of living.

The move, which reflects the government's concern for the well-being of the people, also provides respite to frequent highway users, in particular outstation workers with lengthy daily trips to head back to their hometowns and celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their loved ones.

This discount is effective from 12.01 am on March 28 (Friday) and will end at 11.59 pm on March 29 (Saturday).

For Muhammad Kamaruszaman, a 32-year-old factory worker in Shah Alam, the announcement made by the government on Tuesday brought a glimmer of hope for commuters like him to take a break and go home. This is especially meaningful after having spent significantly on Raya preparations for his family.

"When I heard about the toll discount, I immediately felt the urge to go home. Every festive season, expenses increase due to fuel, toll as well as Raya costs for the children. Although this discount may seem small to some, it is very meaningful to us who earn a modest income," said Kamaruszaman, who hails from Taiping in Perak.

Meanwhile, assistant counsellor Nursyahadah Mohd Khidir, 26, who plans to return to Rembau in Negeri Sembilan, said the toll discount helps with her budget.

"This is my first Raya with my husband since we just got married. So, we have indeed planned to manage our finances carefully during this festive season. Hearing about the 50 pct toll discount immediately made us excited to head back since it helps us save more,” said Nursyahadah who set out on her journey at 4 pm today.

Another couple, Mohd Aswad Jaffar, 33, and Rahida Gahalzi, 35, also chose to travel back to Alor Star in Kedah today to avoid congestion and expressed their gratitude to the government for the toll discount. Mohd Aswad shared that they started their journey from Kuala Lumpur at 5 am today under rainy skies but were thankful that there was no congestion except for an increase in vehicles starting in Juru heading north.

Additionally, Prof Dr Ahmed Razman Abdul Latiff, director of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) programme at Putra Business School (PBS), described the initiative as showcasing the government's commitment to ensuring citizens can enjoy better amenities.

"This is proof of the MADANI government's genuine concern to help citizens save on transportation costs while also assisting in traffic flow management," he noted.

Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi announced on Tuesday that the government agreed to offer a 50 pct toll discount from the usual toll rates in conjunction with Aidilfitri.

The government's initiative involves financial implications amounting to RM19.69 million as compensation to the related toll concession companies.

-- BERNAMA