Nga expressed hope that the 32 highway concessionaires would “give back to society” during festive seasons as a token of appreciation for the people, China Press reported.

“Now that their profits are abundant, (I hope) they can at least offer a 50% discount for the people during Chinese New Year, allowing everyone to celebrate and participate in the festive joy,” the housing and local government minister said.

He added that he would raise the matter at the Cabinet meeting this Friday, to explore the possibility of highway concessionaires offering discounts for tolls.

“Any further discussions or changes will be decided by the Cabinet, and we will make an announcement after we have reached a decision,” he said.

Yesterday, works minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said the government had decided to abolish toll exemptions during festive seasons for Class 1 vehicles at a Cabinet meeting last year.

He said Putrajaya would replace the exemptions with a “more targeted approach”, but did not elaborate on the matter.

Nga said toll exemptions cost the government about RM38 million every festive season, amounting to around RM160 million last year.