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50% Toll Discount for Major Festivals Confirmed Plus Free Train Rides for Thaipusam

The long-running drama over toll exemptions has finally reached its conclusion—the government has decided to grant a 50% toll discount for all major festivals moving forward. This was confirmed by Public Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi in an announcement yesterday.

Pic Credit: Caricarz

The decision comes after the government acknowledged that many Malaysians still need financial relief during festive seasons, especially after concerns were raised following the toll exemption announcement before Chinese New Year.

Datuk Seri Alexander also highlighted that offering a 50% discount significantly reduces government spending compared to a full exemption. The government pays RM80 million annually to highway concessionaires for the discount, whereas a full waiver would cost RM160 million per year. In other words, it’s a win-win for both the people and the government.

Pic Credit: Caricarz

The discount will be applied for a total of eight days throughout the year, as was previously practiced. It was first implemented during the recent Chinese New Year and will continue for all major festivals, including the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

The minister also mentioned that the Cabinet may review and adjust this policy as needed. He clarified that the toll discount is fully covered by the government, not the highway concessionaires, and reminded the public that it is ultimately funded by taxpayers’ money.

Free Train Rides & 24-Hour Service for Thaipusam

Meanwhile, for the upcoming Thaipusam celebration, Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) has announced 24-hour train service from 9–12 February. To ease travel for devotees and the public, KTMB will also provide free rides on 10 and 11 February.

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During this period, an additional 44 trips will be added to the usual 96 daily services, bringing the total to 140 trips per day. Extra trains will also run from Pulau Sebang to Batu Caves at 9:55 p.m. and from Klang to Batu Caves at 9:30 p.m. KL Sentral commuters will benefit from increased frequency, with trains running every 30 minutes from 9:30 a.m. instead of the usual one-hour intervals.

“In total, over the four days and three nights, 118 additional services will be provided, bringing the total number of trips during this period to 494,” Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced.

The move aims to reduce congestion and ensure smooth travel for devotees and the general public, especially on Saturday (8 February), when crowds are expected to peak.

The minister revealed that KTMB has been preparing since early January to accommodate the anticipated 500,000 passengers traveling to Kuala Selangor, the Sri Subramaniar Temple, and Batu Caves.

Passengers are encouraged to plan their journeys ahead and have a valid payment method—such as a debit card, credit card, or Touch ‘n Go card—to avoid delays at the station.

Source: Malay Mail, Caricarz

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