Lim said the decision to freeze toll hikes next year would affect 21 highways that would have seen an increase in toll rates based on the government’s agreements with concessionaires.

He said the decision, “a marked enhancement” from the earlier announcement in Budget 2019 to freeze hikes for intra-city tolls, was reached during a Cabinet meeting on Dec 12.

“The comprehensive toll hike freeze is an ongoing effort by the Pakatan Harapan-led federal government to alleviate the burden of rising living costs borne by all Malaysians,” he said in a statement.

From Jan 1, motorcyclists using the two bridges connecting the Penang island and the Second Link in Johor would no longer need to pay toll, costing the government RM20 million in compensation payments to highway concessionaires.

A freeze on toll hike is among PH’s election promises in its manifesto during the May polls.

“The government is currently studying the best method to fulfil its General Election manifesto promise as stated in the Buku Harapan,” Lim said.