He said the decision paved the way for a more targeted approach to channel subsidies towards lower-income groups.

“We are fine-tuning our policies to ensure that assistance is directed to those who truly need it, particularly the B40 group,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after the launch of SOS Balance by TNG Digital Sdn Bhd which allows its eWallet users to pass through tolls despite insufficient balance, offering them a 24-hour grace period to reload their eWallets.

On Tuesday, Nanta said the government had decided to abolish toll exemptions during festive seasons at a Cabinet meeting last year.

Today, he said the practice of providing a blanket toll exemption was introduced as a temporary measure during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2022, and was no longer applicable.

He said his ministry was working with the finance and economy ministries to develop more precise subsidy measures aimed at helping the lower-income groups.

“We will adjust policies from time to time to align with current needs. The focus is now on targeted aid rather than blanket subsidies,” Nanta said.

He added that subsidies should not benefit all indiscriminately, including higher-income individuals who do not require such assistance.

On the multi-lane free flow traffic project, Nanta said the government had been refining the system and gathering information from industry players since December.

Last month, deputy works minister Ahmad Maslan said a Cabinet paper outlining the direction to be taken for the project would be presented for approval in January.