In a statement, the ministry said the toll exemption applies to all classes of vehicles at all toll plazas except those at the country’s borders, that is the Bangunan Sultan Iskandar and Tanjung Kupang toll plazas in Johor.

“This toll exemption is expected to ease the travel burden of all Malaysians planning to return to their hometowns to visit family members and celebrate Christmas or spend time with family during the school holiday season,” it said.

“It also aligns with the unity government’s intention to help alleviate the burden of the people across diverse religions, ethnicities and beliefs.”

The ministry said the two dates were chosen to avoid traffic congestion during the travel rush to hometowns and return to cities.

“It is hoped that highway users can take advantage of this opportunity, plan their journeys wisely, and adhere to the recommended travel time advisory schedule,” it said.

Yesterday, deputy works minister Ahmad Maslan said that on average, the government allocates RM21 million daily to highway concessionaires as part of the toll-free initiative.

This year, he said the government paid out RM80.07 million in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidilfitri, RM42.31 million for Deepavali and RM41.21 million for the Chinese New Year holidays to implement free tolls.